Federal Grant Award Summary

The Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control awarded Polk County Auditor a $6.0 million Project Grant under the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program (CFDA 14.900) effective March 1, 2026, with completion targeted for March 1, 2030. This award funds comprehensive lead-based paint hazard identification and control activities in privately-owned rental and owner-occupied housing within Polk County, Iowa, with a primary focus on protecting children under six years of age from lead poisoning. The grant supports targeted remediation efforts in pre-1960 housing stock (particularly pre-1940 construction) located in low-income and minority neighborhoods, utilizing cost-effective lead hazard control methods to reduce elevated blood lead levels in vulnerable child populations.

The funded activities encompass lead inspections, risk assessments, interim controls, and abatement work, supplemented by Healthy Homes Supplemental funding to address additional housing-related health and safety hazards. Key deliverables include building local capacity through training and certification of individuals and firms in lead-safe work practices, and developing comprehensive, community-based approaches that integrate lead hazard control with other local housing and health initiatives through public and private partnerships. The 48-month implementation period allows Polk County Auditor to establish sustainable mechanisms for addressing lead hazards while serving low-income families with young children throughout the county.