Worcester Gets Largest Ever Grant For Lead Paint Removal

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester this week was awarded a $5.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for lead abatement, enough to address lead issues in hundreds of housing units across the city, according to officials.

This is the largest ever single lead abatement grant from HUD, officials said. The grant includes $5 million for direct lead abatement, and $600,000 for analyzing environmental health hazards in housing units. City officials say some 250 units will get direct lead abatement, and another 120 will get analyzed for hazards like mold and radiation.

Much of Worcester's housing stock — more than 90,000 units — was built before 1978, when lead paint was banned in the U.S. City officials believe lead removal has not been done on many homes, especially multifamily units, requiring ongoing lead abatement.

The city has received some $15 million in lead abatement grants since 2007, according to city officials.

Renters in the city can apply for lead assessments through the Worcester Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.