Mangano announces Lead Reduction Grant Program

Initiative Aimed at Reducing the Risk of Lead Paint Poisoning in Children

 

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced the start of a newinitiative to test and remove lead paint in homes across the county.  The Nassau County Office of Community Development (OOCD), formerly known as the Office of Housing and Intergovernmental Affairs, recently obtained a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to coordinate this Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program.

“Lead paint poses a serious risk to the health of many families in Nassau County,” said Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.  “Getting homes tested for lead is an important step toward ensuring our children grow up healthy.”

Under the direction of County Executive Mangano, the County has earmarked a $1.3 million toward the efforts ($1 million Community Block Development Grant and $300,000 in HOME Investment Partnership Program funds).  The $5.3 million will be used to provide risk assessments for low income homeowners and rehabilitate homes in which children reside.  The OOCD and Department of Health (DOH) will jointly implement actions to control lead-based paint hazards in private dwellings.

“Nassau County Department of Health is pleased to partner with the Office of Community Development in our mission to protect our residents against lead poisoning.  This is a great example of Health Department and Community Development professionals identifying an individual with lead toxicity, investigating the source(s) of exposure, remediating the physical environment and, in turn, preventing the harmful effects that lead can have on an individual or family's health.  Lead poisoning can cause problems with a child’s growth, behavior, and ability to learn.” said Dr. Maria Torroella Carney, Commissioner of Health.

“We plan to rehabilitate nearly 170 homes and rental units of lead paint poisoning to eliminate the threat they pose to children,” said Mangano.  “This program will lead to a safe and lead-free environment for nearly 340 children throughout Nassau County.”

All homes identified with children under the age of six that have elevated blood lead levels of >10ug/dl, will qualify for lead hazard reduction assistance.  The Nassau County OOCD and DOH currently estimate that 202 housing units will be enrolled in the program and receive a risk assessment.  With a goal of improving living conditions for 340 children, the departments aim to rehabilitate 85 homeowner units and 85 rental units. 

“Our goal is to leverage the use of Federal funds and County resources to make homes safe for our Nassau County residents,” said Ray Thomas, Nassau County’s Director of OOCD.

In an effort to better identify the agency with its efforts, the County Executive yesterday signed an Executive Order officially renaming the Nassau County Office of Housing and Intergovernmental Affairs to the Office of Community Development.