The Milwaukee County Board passed a resolution introduced today by Supervisor John F. Weishan, Jr., which would develop a grant and loan program for eligible homeowners living in lead-affected neighborhoods.

The program would provide financial assistance for lead-abatement efforts related to water contaminated by lead pipe laterals, which connect homes to water mains, and also for homes identified as containing lead-based paint.

Lead contaminated water and air have been linked to a multitude of health problems for people of all ages, however, young children are especially prone to its effects, having a much higher potential for developmental disabilities, lower IQ, and other conditions. No “safe” blood-lead level has been identified, and there is currently no medical treatment to alleviate the impact of lead poisoning once it has occurred.

“This financial assistance program to help homeowners with lead abatement is only the first step in addressing a very real crisis here in Milwaukee,” said Weishan. “It will make a dramatic difference in the lives of our neighbors who participate in the first clean up, and I intend for this to be just the first in a series of lead abatement programs for all of our affected neighbors.”

The lead abatement program enacted by the County Board will not only improve the health of the County residents, but will bring economic benefits as well, with hundreds of new jobs to complete the work, and promoting infrastructure investment in Milwaukee County.

The resolution was passed by the full Board on September the 22, 2016 by a vote of 16 – 1.