Lead paint hazards in aging homes are the target of $14.69 million in new federal grants to Buffalo, Niagara County and Rensselaer County, Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Lead Hazard Reduction Program.
The senators' Western New York announcement lists $4,030,387 for Buffalo and $6,250,000 for Niagara County. A separate announcement lists $4,410,012.82 for Rensselaer County. Those figures add up to $14,690,399.82.
The HUD program supports local efforts to identify and control lead-paint hazards in eligible privately owned rental and owner-occupied housing. Grant awards do not mean the work has already been completed or that every older home is eligible.
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said the city expects to prioritize homes with children younger than 6, while supporting lead-safe repairs, contractors and training. Niagara County Health Director Fauzia Khan said her county will use its award to support ongoing identification and remediation of hazards in homes.
The senators said the awards build on earlier HUD grants, including $3.3 million for Niagara County in 2023 and $5.75 million for Chautauqua County in 2024. The new Rensselaer County grant follows earlier awards for Albany and Schenectady, they said.
Lead-based paint can be especially dangerous when deteriorating paint produces dust or chips that young children ingest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says children are particularly vulnerable to lead's effects on learning and development. The grants target lead-paint hazards in housing, not lead service lines in drinking-water systems, which have a separate funding program.
The lawmakers did not provide a start date, application window or number of homes expected to be treated under the three newly announced awards. Residents seeking help will need to check with the participating local programs for eligibility and timing.
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