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Southeast Iowa planners secure $1.2 million HUD grant to remove lead hazards in 29 homes
Summary
Jack Swarm of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission told supervisors a $1.2 million HUD grant will fund inspections, contractor training and lead hazard removal across four counties, prioritizing homes with children under 5 or pregnant occupants.
The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission told Louisa County supervisors it has received a $1.2 million HUD grant to reduce lead hazards in 29 homes across four counties, including Louisa.
Jack Swarm, the commission’s presenter, said the grant covers administration, contractor training, lead inspections and abatement work. “If a child has 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter in their blood, that’s when the government starts taking action,” Swarm told the board as he explained thresholds and the program’s public-health rationale.
Why it matters: lead exposure is linked to developmental delays in children and a range of adult health problems. The program targets households with a child under 5, a pregnant person, or a child who regularly visits the dwelling; landlords are eligible if household income is at or below 80% of area median income (AMI). In Louisa County the presenter said a family of four making up to $77,000 annually could still qualify under the 80% AMI rule described in his remarks.
Program services and examples: Swarm described prior housing projects and photos of before-and-after work that included siding, windows, gutters and furnaces. The commission can pay up to $180 per child for blood lead testing, provide free lead inspections by a certified inspector, and assist with hiring qualified contractors for abatement. Eligible residents and landlords are encouraged to contact the commission for an inspection and eligibility determination.
Scope and next steps: the grant specifically serves Louisa, Lee, Des Moines and Henry counties and aims to complete lead hazard reduction in 29 homes; Swarm left flyers and the presentation with the board and asked supervisors to help spread the word. No county financial commitment was requested at the meeting.
The presenter emphasized education and safe remodeling practices for older houses, and urged residents in pre-1978 homes to seek inspection rather than attempt uncertified abatement work.
