February 14, 2007                                                                               Contact: Sue Baker
For Immediate Release                                                                         738-2000

Federal HUD lauds city for its lead hazard reduction program’s performance

WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has given the city a rating of green – its highest – for its “overall excellent performance” in administering the Warwick Lead Hazard Reduction Program (WLHRP). The program is part of the city’s Office of Housing & Community Development.

HUD assesses a variety of factors to determine an agency’s overall performance based on its quarterly report and grant work plan. These factors include meeting established benchmarks such as completing lead hazard control in residential units and progress in drawing down grant funds relative to work performed. The program’s strong points included assessments and outreach efforts.

The program began in 2003, with a $1.8-million, three-year grant from HUD. In September, HUD awarded the city a second, three-year grant of $2.1 million – the largest single award in city history – to continue the program.

The goal is to reduce the exposure of Warwick’s children under six years of age to the hazards of lead paint; increase public awareness about the hazards of lead paint; promote safe and effective methods of reducing lead paint hazards; provide grants/loans to homeowners and landlords to reduce lead in low/moderate income households; and to collect information on the most cost-effective ways to reduce lead paint hazards.

To date, a total of 118 units have been made lead-safe through funding from the 2003-06 grant. The recently awarded grant is effective through 2009, with 125 units to be made lead-safe.

For more information about the program, call 738-2000, ext. 6375.

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