Angie Craig: “I note that the bill allocates approximately $100 million to HUD to fund its lead abatement program. In a number of…”

“I note that the bill allocates approximately $100 million to HUD to fund its lead abatement program. In a number of areas around the country some of our children are still at increased risk of exposure to high levels of lead, which can lead to development problems. The bill further provides that from this account, HUD will provide financial assistance to the Clear Corps lead abatement and education network administered by the University of Maryland at Baltimore. This assistance is set at $1 million. Clear Corps is a public-private partnership which organizes and manages cleanup and education affiliates around the country in close cooperation with local organizations and government. Significant resources are provided to this program by various companies in the paint industry, and by the National Paint and Coatings Association. Based on reports I have seen, it has proven highly efficient and cost effective. At my invitation, Clear Corps representatives visited Northern Idaho to meet with officials of several private and public organizations, including U.S. EPA, to determine if an affiliate arrangement might prove helpful in addressing the lead exposure issue in that area. While significant progress has been made, there remain pockets where further testing, cleanup (particularly inside some older houses), and focused education could reap large rewards in the near future.”