U.S. Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker announced on June 13 that Newark and Trenton will receive millions in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to reduce lead hazards in public housing and protect children and families from the health risks associated with exposure to high levels of lead.
“Under no circumstance should New Jersey families be forced to jeopardize their health or the health of their children due to dangerous levels of lead in their homes,” said Sen. Booker. “We already know the potential health impacts of lead poisoning can be devastating to a child, so we have an obligation to secure the resources needed to update the aging housing and infrastructure in our communities. This federal funding is critical to helping cities like Newark and Trenton take the necessary steps to protect New Jersey families.”
Newark was awarded $3 million from the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration grant program and $400,000 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding in order to address lead hazards in 150 low-income housing units. The city will collaborate with the Newark Partnership for Lead Safe Children, the Municipal Court and Newark One Stop Career Center in order to carry out this project.
Trenton was awarded $1,955,886 from the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration grant program funding and $194,445 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding to address lead hazards in 145 housing units of low-income families with children. Trenton will be working with Isles, Inc., Trenton Division of Health and grass roots organizations such as A Better Way and the Neighborhood Improvement Association.
“We need to do everything we can to protect New Jersey children and families from the dangers of lead exposure in the home,” Sen. Menendez (D-NJ) said. “This federal funding is critical to enhancing efforts in Newark and Trenton to reduce lead hazards in public housing, making the homes safer for residents. I will continue to fight for additional resources to retrofit older homes and upgrade our failing infrastructure to protect the health and safety of New Jerseyans.”
