Buckeye Reporter

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced awards for projects that will help protect Ohioans from the dangers of toxic lead. 

The Lead Safe Ohio program will allocate $84 million to support lead mitigation and prevention projects in residential properties, childcare facilities, and congregate care facilities in 72 counties across the state. 

“Behind every instance of lead exposure is a person and a future put at risk," said Governor DeWine. "This funding signifies a decisive step in our mission to protect our most vulnerable citizens and create a healthier and safer Ohio for generations to come.” 

The $84,321,999 in funds will be allocated as follows: 

• $50.3 million for owner-occupied homes 
• $17.3 million for rental properties 
• $6.5 million for childcare facilities 
• $1.5 million for congregate care shelters 

DETAILS: Lead Safe Ohio Award List

“We want to create a safe environment for all children in Ohio, and lead poisoning can have lasting effects on the ability for our young people to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “By removing this health hazard from our communities, we’re helping ensure the future leaders of our state have the tools to live up to their fullest potential.” 

The Lead Safe Ohio Program was established in partnership with the 134th Ohio General Assembly, which funded the program in House Bill 45 with $150 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. In total, the Lead Safe Ohio program will award nearly $100 million for lead prevention and mitigation activities in eligible properties built before lead-based paint was outlawed in 1978. 

The funding awards announced today will be used toward projects such as waterline replacement, window and door replacement, siding enclosure, soffit enclosure, porch component repair, and lead cleaning efforts. Funding is available to entities in all 88 counties based on high-risk ZIP codes, the number of homes built before 1980, and the percentage of low-to-moderate-income households in the state. 

The program, announced by Governor DeWine in May, is administered by the Ohio Department of Development, in coordination with the Ohio Department of Health. 

“We’ve all known the risks of lead exposure for decades and in Ohio, we’re turning awareness into action,” said Director Mihalik. “By working with our local partners to identify at-risk properties and facilitate these crucial repairs, we’re building safer neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for thousands of Ohioans.” 

Lead poisoning is most commonly caused by lead-based paint, which produces chips and dust when deteriorating. While lead poisoning can affect individuals of all ages, children are at the greatest risk. Children's bodies are more susceptible to the harmful effects of lead and are less able to detoxify their bodies of the harmful substance. Long-term exposure to lead can impact physical and mental health and the ability to learn and earn an income.  More information about the dangers of lead poisoning can visit the Ohio Department of Health website.  

For more information on the Lead Safe Ohio program, visit the program webpage. 

Original source can be found here.