Courtney, Finizio announce more than $2 million in federal grants to combat lead paint, other home hazards in New London

WASHINGTON, DC – May 24, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Joe Courtney and New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio today announced more than $2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to combat lead paint and other home health hazards in New London. In all, the City of Norwich was awarded $1,829,956 in Lead Based Paint Hazard Control grant program funding and $191,000 in healthy homes supplemental funding. With the funding, the city will address lead hazards in 85 housing units providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children. The city will also perform healthy homes assessments in 60 units. The City will collaborate with the City of New London, Ledge Light Health District, Community Health Center and OIC of New London County.

“In addition to posing well-documented public health risk, lead paint in New London’s older housing stock is also a severe hindrance to a vibrant real estate market recovery,” said Congressman Courtney. “This funding is a pro-growth boost to the city and all its homeowners and business owners who will benefit from the added value that lead-paint remediation will bring.”

“Congressman Courtney has been a tireless advocate for New London,” Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio said. “These facilities are in desperate need of revitalization and these funds will provide vital investment in our public housing stock. This grant will have a positive influence on the lives of so many New Londoners.”

Twenty-four percent of dwellings built between 1960 and 1978 are likely to contain lead; 69 percent of dwellings built between 1940 and 1960 are likely to contain lead; and 87 percent of dwellings built before 1940 are likely to contain lead.