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.

This new grant program supports the federal goal to eliminate lead poisoning in children by 2010. The incidence of childhood lead poisoning has been reduced by half since the early 1990s. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning because of their metabolism and hand-to-mouth activity. Lead can cause a number of neurological problems and learning disabilities in young children.

State and local governments, Federally-recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal consortia, territories, 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. Applicants should submit written applications on plain paper to regional lead contacts.

Decisions will be made on the basis of this informal application; successful applicants will then be required to submit the full application. EPA intends to award individual grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. The grantees will be announced in April 2005.

12/3/2004