The state Leading in Lead Prevention pilot program has awarded $326,000 to the Ulster County Department of Health to conduct lead remediation in multi-family rental units.

The money will pay for lead remediation in multi-family rental units serving low- and moderate-income tenants, helping protect residents and at-risk populations from the dangers of lead poisoning.

The entire 12401 zip code area, which extends far beyond the City of Kingston, has been designated by the state as a lead poisoning “Community of Concern.” The county health department has identified some 100 properties in the zone with confirmed lead hazards, County Executive Jen Metzger said.

This program serves as a first step to help local governments prepare for a more comprehensive lead remediation effort as part of the state Department of Health’s Lead Hazard Rental Registry. To be launched in 2025, the registry will include inspections and enforcement mechanisms to remediate lead exposure in all residential dwellings with two or more rental units built prior to 1980 in a "Community of Concern."

"This award from [the state Department of] Homes and Community Renewal will address a major barrier to lead remediation by providing direct funding to building owners to help ensure these dangers are addressed and children's health is protected," Metzger said. "I want to thank Governor Hochul for this funding award as the county works to implement the Lead Hazard Rental Registry, and I applaud our departments of Planning and Health on this collaborative effort to eliminate the threat of lead poisoning in qualifying rental apartments."

“With the grant we've been awarded, and our active participation in the Leading in Lead Prevention program, Ulster County is poised to protect our communities, especially our youngest residents, from the harmful effects of lead exposure," Ulster County Legislature Chair Peter Criswell (D-Kingston) said. "This initiative underscores our shared commitment to fostering safer living environments and brighter futures for all."

For more information on the health impacts of lead exposure, visit the Centers for Disease Control website here: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/health-effects.htm.

To learn more about the state's lead poisoning prevention program and identified Communities of Concern, visit https://hcr.ny.gov/leading-lead-prevention.