Nearly $6M committed to removing lead

Ohio plans to spend another $5.8 million in taxpayer funds to help toxic lead mitigation efforts in five counties.

The new money brings the total state allocation to $90 million since December, which is all part of the Lead Safe Ohio grant program.

The new money is planned for residential properties, child care facilities and congregate care shelters in five founds. The program has allocated $90 million for lead remediation in 76 of the state’s 88 counties.

“In Ohio, we’re taking an aggressive and proactive approach by targeting communities with the greatest need, ensuring all Ohioans have an equal chance at a safer and more prosperous future,” Gov. Mike DeWine said.

The state handed out the first round of $84 million in December to 72 counties.

This disbursement includes more than $2 million for low-income families in Butler County, $1.8 million to Franklin County, $930,000 to the Clermont County Board of Commissioners, $642,000 to Darke County, and $323,000 to the Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization.

The money is expected to be used for projects such as waterline replacement, window and door replacement, siding enclosure, soffit enclosure, porch component repair and lead cleaning efforts.

Funding was made available to entities in all 88 counties based on highrisk ZIP codes, the number of homes built before 1978 and the percentage of low-to-moderate-income households in the state.

“These grants expand our reach to more counties so we can protect additional children in Ohio from the lasting effects lead poisoning can cause,” said Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. “Every dollar invested through this program a dollar invested in the future of our state.”

The program was created with $150 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.