December 31, 2004—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making available $750,000 to prevent lead-based paint related poisoning in high-risk areas. Under a new competitive lead grant program, the agency will provide funding to communities having high rates of elevated blood-lead levels, as well as to communities where there are conditions associated with elevated blood-lead levels.
State and local governments, institutions of higher learning, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must represent communities with historical and likely incidences of elevated blood lead levels. Proposals should include ways to address unique and challenging issues in lead-poisoning prevention, particularly ones that could be replicated in other high-risk areas.
EPA intends to award individual grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, to be announced in April 2005. More information about the proposal process, the new competitive lead grant program, and measures to prevent lead poisoning is available at EPA/Lead.
