ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Money is now available to help qualified local residents mitigate lead hazards in their homes.

The Belmont County Board of Commissioners this week announced the county’s participation in the Lead Safe Ohio program. The Lead Safe initiative is a grant-funded program through the American Rescue Plan Act and the state of Ohio. The program is designed to mitigate lead hazards in residential properties, childcare facilities, and congregate care facilities throughout Ohio. It will be administered by the Department of Development, alongside the Ohio Department of Health.

The Ohio General Assembly funded the program in House Bill 45, with funds appropriated through the ARPA. Gov. Mike DeWine signed the bill into law on Jan. 6, 2023.

Belmont County applied for the grant through the Ohio Regional Development Corp., which awarded the county up to $1,227,000, representing 100% of the county’s possible award. Awards to individual residents are based on the program’s financial guidelines. Counties are required to apply for the grant to be opted into the program.

“Lead hazards are extremely dangerous, especially to children. The board is very pleased that Belmont County will receive over $1.2 million in grant funds to help abate lead hazards throughout the county. Bottom line: These funds will keep our kids safe,” Belmont County Commissioner Josh Meyer said.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health and cause well-documented health effects, including damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems.”

As stated on Ohio.gov’s website, “Funds can be utilized for lead-safe building certification, screening and testing for lead poisoning, education and community engagement, and early intervention for children and families impacted by lead.

“Remaining funding will be used by the Ohio Department of Development for workforce development, recruitment and retention of lead contractors, and lead safe renovations such as window and door replacement in single-family homes, congregate care shelters, and childcare facilities constructed before 1978.”

For information on how to apply for a portion of the funds, call Mindy Shrimplan of the Ohio Regional Development Corp. at 740-622-0529 or the Belmont County commissioners’ office at 740-699-2155.