ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The city was awarded $5.7 million as part of a $43 million federal effort to reduce lead-based paint hazards and improve the health and safety of homes across the commonwealth, officials announced this week.
“This is a huge win for Pennsylvania families. No child should grow up in a home that makes them sick,” said U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, in a news release. “These grants will help get rid of dangerous lead paint in some of our oldest housing stock and give families the safe, healthy homes they deserve.
“These grants will support broader efforts to address disrepair and blight across the commonwealth, including Pennsylvania’s Whole-Home Repairs program. Fixing up our homes means healthier families, safer communities and more affordable housing—things we desperately need.”
Fetterman, with U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, announced the grant funding, which comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Program. Officials said the money not only works to address lead-based paint hazards in homes but also enhances affordable housing options, revitalizes communities and improves public health outcomes throughout the state.
"Every child deserves to grow up in a home where they feel safe and healthy. This funding is incredible news for Allentown, where it will help improve aging homes, lower housing costs, and bolster public health."U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (D-7)
“Every child deserves to grow up in a home where they feel safe and healthy,” said U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh Valley, in a news release. “This funding is incredible news for Allentown, where it will help improve aging homes, lower housing costs, and bolster public health."
Other awardees included:
- Allegheny County: $7.75 million
- Harrisburg: $7.75 million
- Lancaster: $7.75 million
- Philadelphia: $7 million
- Delaware County: $1 million
- Montgomery County: $1.8 million
- Redevelopment Authority of the Erie: $4,712,858
Exposure to lead — which cannot be seen, tasted or smelled in drinking water — can build up over time, causing a range of health effects, according to the Mayo Clinic.
In children, lead poisoning can cause a developmental delay, learning difficulties, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, sluggishness and fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, hearing loss, seizures and eating things, such as paint chips, that aren't food, according to the medical center.
