Broome Takes Applications for Lead Abatement Funds

The Broome County Health Department is accepting applications from property owners for lead abatement grants.

In December, Broome County was awarded over $4 million by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to address lead paint and other health hazards in local, low-income housing.

Health officials say at least 160 housing units in Broome County will be able to abate lead hazards over the next three-and-a-half years.

Owners of residentials properties in the area can go to www.broomecountylead.com for information.

Broome County officials say the program will primarily focus on core urban areas in the City of Binghamton and the Villages of Johnson City and Endicott.

This is the first HUD grant Broome County has received since 2011.  In addition to lead abatement, other hazards could be eliminated as well.  Officials say homes with lead hazards are also likely to have other problems like missing or non-functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, roof and plumbing leaks and pests.

The grant funding is available for privately-owned homes built before 1978 in which at least one child under the age of six or a pregnant woman is living.  Home owners must meet the HUD low-income guidelines, the property has to be current on all taxes and the property must have no major structural defects.