Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 18, 2006

Schumer Announces Nearly $2 Million Coming To Western New York For Lead Elimination Programs

Federal Funds Awarded To Environmental Education Associates Inc. As Part Of The Operation Lead Elimination Action Program

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced $1,999,997 has been awarded to Environmental Education Associates Inc., in Erie County, by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Operation Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP). The funds will be used to increase lead control activities in Western New York. "This is great news for Western New York" said Schumer. ""Lead poisoning, which causes permanent neurological damage, is the number one preventable childhood health problem in our nation. These funds are so vital precisely because they will help prevent this pernicious toxin from getting in our children's systems in the first place.”

Environmental Education Associates, Inc. will use this funding to partner with public and private organizations to increase the number of contractors and community based organizations performing lead control activities in Buffalo, Jamestown, Niagara Falls, Rochester, and Syracuse. These areas are all HUD Renewal Communities/Empowerment Zones that have expressed the need for greater contractor capacity.

The Operation Lead Elimination Action Program is designed to leverage private sector resources to eliminate lead poisoning as a major public health threat to young children. Operation LEAP provides seed money in the form of grants to applicants that demonstrate a concrete ability to leverage substantial private sector resources to be used for lead hazard control related activities. Resources generated through Operation LEAP are used and/or distributed by non-profits or for-profits to assist National, State and local entities actively engaged in creating lead-safe housing for families with young children on both a preventive and remedial basis.

###

Resource Center