HUD AWARDS $6 MILLION TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF HOMES OF LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

Funds will reduce risks from radon and other hazards in homes

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded nearly $6 million to public housing agencies and a state housing authority to protect children and families from housing-related hazards, including radon exposure.

HUD is awarding 10 grants to public housing agencies under its Radon Testing and Mitigation Demonstration grant program. The agencies will test public housing units and mitigate identified elevated radon levels. This investment will protect over 6,500 people in low-income families, including children, from cancer risks caused by radon exposure. HUD is also awarding a grant to improve the energy efficiency of 60 homes under its Healthy Homes and Weatherization Coordination Demonstration grant program, being weatherized under the grantee’s Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program.

“I am pleased to announce that these grants will provide public housing agencies with the resources to reduce the radon exposure risk of over 6,500 individuals, families and children,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “In addition, we are investing in increasing energy efficiency to address health and safety risks in the home as well as supporting coordination with other funding streams.”

Matthew Ammon, Director of HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, added, “By providing these grants, HUD makes it clear that ensuring healthy and safe homes for the community is a priority and we are committed to working with our partners to protect residents from these health hazards.”

Read a complete project-by-project summary of the programs awarded grants today.

The following is a state-by-state breakdown of the funding announced today:
 

*HHWCD: Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demonstration

*RTM: Radon Testing and Mitigation Demonstration for Public Housing