October 9, 2009

The Portland Housing Bureau has received a three year, $4 million Lead Hazard Control grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Additionally, the Portland Water Bureau will contribute $1.4 million over the life of the grant.

This funding will support resources to address lead hazards in 425 Portland-area low-income households, to provide outreach to 4,500 homes, and to test the blood-lead levels of 2,500 children, reports the Portland Business Journal.

More than one in a hundred Oregon children have blood-lead levels at or above the lead poisoning level. "With this assistance," says Commissioner Fish, "we will identify kids at risk of lead poisoning and protect them."

This grant is especially important to the Portland area, where almost 90% of housing was built before lead paint was discontinued.

Over the last 10 years, the City has received $13 million in HUD Lead Hazard Control grant funding, providing services to nearly 1,200 homes with young children.