Senators Collins, King Announce More than $1.8 Million for Lead Abatement in Portland

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, and Angus King announced today that the City of Portland will be awarded $1,568,592 in Lead Based Paint Hazard Control grant program funding and $246,275 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding. The city will use the funding to help address lead hazards in 80 housing units, providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children. 

“Lead poisoning is a very serious public health threat, particularly in New England where our housing stock is older than in most other states.  Since the beginning of my Senate service, I have worked to raise awareness about this too often unseen problem,” said Senator Collins.  “As the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I have successfully secured robust funding for lead abatement programs.  This $1.8 million investment to reduce lead hazards is excellent news and will help ensure that dozens of Maine families will have safe and healthy homes.”

“Lead poisoning can be a particularly acute problem in Maine where our homes are older than most, which is why this funding is an especially welcome investment and will help make homes safer for families in Portland,” Senator King said.

As the Chairman of the THUD Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins secured a number of provisions to increase the federal government’s commitment to lead abatement in the THUD funding bill. Senator King sent a letter in March to the THUD Appropriations Subcommittee calling for a strong investment in lead abatement efforts. The bill was approved by the full Senate by a vote of 89-8 and currently awaits consideration by the House of Representatives.