Auburn receives $3.4M to combat lead hazards in public housing
The city of Auburn has received $3.4 million in federal funding to address the hazards of lead in 110 housing units, helping to make the homes safer for low-income families with children.
The money, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Program and Healthy Homes Supplemental Funding, will help the city mitigate hazards such as lead-based paint, according to a news release.
Lead poisoning can increase the likelihood of learning disabilities in children and lead to speech development problems, attention deficit disorders and other health risks. The Auburn Lead and Healthy Housing Program is working to end childhood lead poisoning, mitigate home health hazards, support small businesses and engage the local workforce.
Lewiston-Auburn has the highest rate of lead poisoning in the state, more than three times the state average, according to the Lewiston-Auburn Lead Program website. Both cities, as well as groups such as Healthy Androscoggin, are working to combat those dangers.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, is the ranking member of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee and supported a proposal for the funding on Auburn’s behalf.
“For decades, childhood lead poisoning has negatively affected the lives of many in the Auburn community,” Collins said in the release. “This funding will be transformational for more than 100 Auburn families and will specifically focus on improving developmental outcomes for children by limiting exposure to lead, lowering the incidence of lung cancer by mitigating radon, improving energy efficiency in older homes, and promoting aging in place by preventing catastrophic falls.”
Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque added, “This grant is truly transformative to our community by ensuring a healthy environment for our residents to work, live and raise their families. We appreciate Senator Collins’ strong advocacy for this funding.”
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