Windham County lead‑hazard program seeks to expand contractor training and offer up to $30,000 per unit for qualifying homes

Alicia Underwood, program manager for the Windham County Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes capacity‑building program, briefed the Select Board on March 6 about the program’s goals and local outreach plans.

Underwood said the program, which is housed through the Windham County Sheriff’s Office, has been awarded $1,100,000 to serve Windham County and reduce lead hazards while increasing statewide abatement capacity. She described three core goals: train and certify contractors via free courses, identify and build a pipeline of homes needing abatement, and encourage lead testing for children.

She told the board the program provides two types of free training (renovation, repair and painting and abatement certification through EPA‑certified trainers) and that training sessions are already offered twice monthly across the state. Underwood said the program has helped grow the number of qualified firms in Vermont from two to 11 in its first year.

On homeowner assistance, Underwood said that, once the local program is fully operational, eligible properties could receive up to $30,000 per unit for abatement work. Eligibility will follow HUD and program rules (targeting lower‑income households with a child under age 6). She said staff will follow up with the board and supply more resources after the meeting.

Board members asked about contractor outreach, homeowner qualification and timing; Underwood said outreach is coordinated with state partners and that program staff will provide materials to the town when available.

The board thanked Underwood for the presentation and invited staff to share additional information and follow up with town leaders on outreach plans.