Bloomington receives multi-million grant from HUD

Posted on October 21, 2020
Mid Central Community Action Executive Director Deborah White (second from left), Congressman Darin LaHood (third from left), Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner (third from right), and Joseph Galvan, HUD Regional Administrator (second from right) pose for a check presentation. (Photo courtesy: Blake Haas/WJBC)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – As part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant, the City of Bloomington received a multi-million dollar grant to help with lead abatement.

At a press conference Wednesday, Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner said the grant would help improve ways to identify and address home-related health and safety hazards.

“At this point, we know that every person, children, and others are all in need of hazardous free housing to thrive and reach their full potential in life. This endeavor, the grant is going to help improve the quality of life for everyone.”

Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) said the $2.3 million grant would help improve safe and healthy housing.

“It means help for our families and our children here in Bloomington…We are helping with the health and safety of our community. And the federal government has a responsibility and an obligation to be there on issues like this when it relates to lead paint. When you think about the 90 plus properties here in Bloomington that are going to be affected by this and what it means with the lead abatement. And the future health of our kids and families in this community.”

Joseph Galvan, HUD Midwest Regional Administrator, said Bloomington is the only city in the Midwest to receive the grant.

Those wishing to receive the money can apply through the city of Bloomington.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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