HARTFORD – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), along with U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-2) announced $2.4 million in federal grants to combat lead paint and other home health hazards in Norwich. 

“Lead poisoning can lead to irreparable damage, particularly for children. This federal grant will go a long way in giving Norwich families peace of mind in knowing that their homes are safe,” said Murphy. “Connecticut has a lot of older homes, and we know that the risk of lead poising spikes in the summer, so this support is needed now more than ever.” 

"From Flint to Norwich, we have seen the danger lead poisoning poses to communities across the country, and in particular, to our nation's children," Blumenthal said. "By addressing lead hazards head-on, this critical federal grant will help ensure that Norwich children and their families are growing, playing, and learning in safe, lead-free homes."

“Families need to feel safe in their homes and the announcement today that Norwich will be receiving a federal grant to remove lead from local residences is great news the community,” said Courtney. “Not only will this grant funding help to protect families, it will also help revitalize Norwich’s real estate market by increasing the value of older homes and provide new work for local contractors and laborers as this project gets underway.”

The City of Norwich will be awarded $2,135,124 in Lead Based Paint Hazard Control grant program funding and $300,000 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding. The city will address lead hazards in 100 housing units providing safer homes for low-income families with children. Norwich will partner with Uncas Health Department, Environmental Lead Testing/Training Consultant as well as a number of community organizations to implement the program.