KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Getting the lead out so to speak, has become a major preoccupation for the city of Kalamazoo. And city officials say they will be able to do more of it now thanks to another big Federal grant.
Although City Utilities is already spending millions every year replacing hundreds of lead service lines to homes, experts are saying this may not be the biggest threat to children, but rather lead paint, commonly found in Kalamazoo’s older homes.
City Commission learned on Monday that they have just received nearly $4.7-Million in additional funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Home Program to get the lead out of low income households built before 1978, when lead paint was no longer used.
Program director Racheal Luscomb says the additional funding will mean they can get the lead out of an additional 126 homes. She says they will also remove pet allergens and do Radon testing.
According to health experts, lead itself attacks the brain and can result in developmental problems, especially in children. City officials are also gearing down for a fairly hefty price tag as it can cost an average of $36,000 to remove lead from just one home.
reporting from John McNeill
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