Governor Murphy announced today at the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development in Atlantic City, NJ, that his Administration will commit $180 million to nonprofit organizations and local governments through the Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Lead Remediation and Abatement Program (LRAP). These funds aim to support lead-safe repairs in homes where adults and children are exposed to lead-based paint. The DCA is set to allocate the final $40 million this month, completing the Murphy Administration’s investment from the State Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 budgets.
“We are providing grants to communities up and down our state — from Paterson to Vineland — so we can ensure that every one of our children is protected from the dangers of lead-based paint,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This funding will directly benefit thousands of households and is a perfect example of how safe housing is at the heart of our Administration’s vision for making New Jersey the best place, anywhere in America, to raise a family.”
“DCA is incredibly proud to administer a grant program that is protecting New Jersey’s families and children from the detrimental effects of lead poisoning,” stated DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “By collaborating with nonprofit groups and local governments, we are providing residents with the information and financial assistance they need to live free of lead-based paint in their homes.”
As identified by housing inspections under laws signed by Governor Murphy in July 2021, LRAP funding assists homeowners and landlords in addressing lead hazards. The first round of funding was announced in February 2023 by Governor Murphy alongside then Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver.
The DCA expects approximately 7,200 housing units will be addressed through this $180 million fund compared to 625 homes remediated or abated between 2015-2020.
The funding stems from federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds included in the American Rescue Plan approved during President Biden's administration.
A total of 55 nonprofits and local governments are participating in LRAP. These grantees received training in lead remediation and abatement and are working within communities most impacted by lead poisoning. They focus particularly on households least able to address these hazards due to financial constraints or other socioeconomic factors affecting child development.
“Through outreach to lower-income families and neighborhoods, DCA is maximizing the program’s impact by directing efforts toward those who are most likely to suffer severe and long-term effects from lead-based paint poisoning,” noted DCA Assistant Commissioner Janel Winter.
Lead-based paint was commonly used before its ban in household paints in 1978. Exposure poses significant health risks, especially for young children who may come into contact with or inhale lead dust.
Grantees use LRAP funds for both remediation—reducing exposure risks without complete removal—and abatement—complete removal via replacement or repair.
In addition to LRAP, DCA manages other programs aimed at preventing lead poisoning such as the Lead-Safe Home Remediation Program, NRTC Lead-Based Paint Hazard program, and Single-Family Home Remediation Program. More details about these programs can be found on their respective websites.
The Division of Housing and Community Resources aims at strengthening neighborhoods through affordable housing delivery, supportive services provision, financial assistance for community development projects improving resident quality of life—especially for vulnerable populations.
DCA offers various programs including local government management finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning development, disaster recovery mitigation historic preservation information privacy.
