September 25, 2020

Wyden, Merkley: Portland to Receive $3.2 Million for Lead Paint Hazard Reduction

Federal funds will be used to address lead hazards in 185 housing units for low-income families with children

Washington, DC – U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that the city of Portland has secured a $3.2 million federal grant for lead-based paint hazard reduction in 185 housing units for low and very low-income families with children.

“All children no matter their families’ income levels deserve homes that are safe and free of hazardous materials,” Wyden said. “I’m glad these federal funds are heading to Portland and will keep fighting for all parents in Oregon to be secure in the knowledge that their homes don’t threaten their kids’ health and well-being.”

“In the richest country in the history of the world, each and every child should have a safe home, free from poisonous chemicals,” said Merkley. “Yet even today, lead-based paint is putting many families and their children at risk. This funding is going to help us clean up those remaining chemicals in nearly 200 Portland homes, and I’m going to keep fighting for the funding we need to ensure that all Oregonians are free from lead hazards that cause long-term damage on health and well-being.”

The $3.2 million grant is from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“All kids deserve a safe, healthy place to grow up and a chance to get the best possible start in life—regardless of income,” said Portland Housing Bureau Director Shannon Callahan. “Our Lead Hazard Control Program will help more than 180 Portland families protect their children from hidden lead hazards in their home with this funding. We are thankful to HUD for their continued support of our local efforts to ensure safe, healthy homes for kids and families, and to Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley for championing this important work.”