City announces grant funding for lead removal

The city’s Neighborhood Housing & Community Development Department has announced the availability of free grant money that Austin and Travis County residents can use to remove lead from their homes. The program is available to renters, homeowners and property managers who meet certain income requirements and whose homes were built before 1978. Applicants also must have at least one child under the age of 5 who either lives in the home or visits for at least six hours a week. Lead exposure is particularly harmful to children, leading to learning disabilities and health deficiencies, according to an announcement from the city about the grant program. Lead-poisoning tests for children are included among the free services offered through the program. More information about the program is available here.