FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
City of Elmira is Seeking Contractors to Participate in the Lead Hazard and Healthy Homes Grant Program.
The City of Elmira is pleased to announce an additional $1.3 million in funding for the Lead-Paint Hazard Reduction Program received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program is for the purpose of removing lead paint and other health hazards in housing built prior to 1978. Home improvements may include lead paint removal for new windows, doors, interior and exterior paint, and limited funds for health and safety repairs.
With the additional grant funds, the Department of Community Development is looking to expand the number of contractors participating in the Lead Hazard Reduction and Healthy Homes Grant Program. Contractors are required to be certified with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Community Development will cover costs of the EPA training for interested contractors.
Community Development will host an informational meeting on February 28, 2023 at Noon-1 PM at City Hall, Third Floor, 317 E Church Street, Elmira, NY 14901. The Department of Community Development will be hosting and providing 100% of the cost for training and certifications required for the program. Interested contractors should consider attending the meeting to learn more about the Lead-Paint Hazard Reduction Program.
Elmira Mayor Dan Mandell, “Lead exposure is a major health concern in our community. This program will greatly aid in eliminating lead exposure to our children and families in our community.”
Under the program, eligible property-owners can receive up to $20,000 in grant or loan assistance for allowable home improvements for lead and healthy homes. A 10% project match is required for non-owner-occupied units. Occupants of the unit must be income-eligible for the property-owner to participate in the program.
The Lead-Paint Hazard Reduction Program was a collaborative effort on the part of the Chemung County Lead Coalition; the City of Elmira Community
Development Office; and the Chemung County Health Department to address the elevated blood lead levels for children within the City of Elmira. Chemung County has a 15.1% incidence of confirmed high blood lead levels (10 or higher 10 mcg/dl). The City of Elmira has a higher risk factor than the remainder of the county due to an aging housing stock.
Questions about the program can be directed to the Department of Community Development at 607-737-5691 or Michael Rangstrom, Program Manager at mrangstrom@cityofelmira.net.
MEDIA CONTACT: Emma Miran, the city’s Director of Community Development, at emiran@cityofelmira.net or call 737-5692.