KDSN RADIO News
SWIPCO Awarded $1.4 Million for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction
SWIPCO has been awarded another $1.4 Million grant for lead-based paint hazard reduction
from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This program assists property
owners with the removal of lead-based paint hazards. The program applies to homes constructed
before 1978 and have children under the age of 6 who reside or spend a significant amount of
time in the home. Rental units may qualify as well if the owner gives preference to a family with
children under age 6. Vacant rentals are also eligible. Rental unit owners must match 10% of
the project cost. Work that is eligible includes exterior and/or interior improvements involving
lead-based paint removal and other items necessary to make the home safe and healthy.
Homeowners must meet income guidelines and live in Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills,
Montgomery, Page, or Shelby counties. Grants have averaged approximately $30,000.
SWIPCO was awarded these same grant funds in 2021 and wrapped up that project in
December of 2025. During the implementation of the previous grant, SWIPCO was able to help
remediate lead paint hazards from 12 units, which housed 22 adults and 23 children. 33 total
assessments and evaluations were completed during the grant process.
Lead is highly neurotoxic, and lead poisoning is 100% preventable, but the effects of lead
poisoning are irreversible. The Centers for Disease Control reports that there is no safe lead
level, and a level of 3.5 micrograms/deciliter is considered a high blood level of lead. Testing for
elevated lead levels in children continues to be emphasized in Iowa. Children under 6 are more
sensitive to lead, and pregnant women exposed to lead can pass lead to their unborn baby.
Lead gets into the body when it is inhaled or swallowed, and lead poisoning can lead to
significant and long-term health effects. Lead poisoning affects 1 in 14 Iowa children, and Iowa’s
rate of lead poisoning is four times the national average. Nearly 60% of the homes in Iowa, both
in rural and urban areas, were built before 1960.
Lead Hazard Reduction Program Coordinator Nicole Rhodes said, “This is a wonderful
opportunity to help us get some of those lead hazards removed to make Southwest Iowa a safer
and healthier place to live for everyone, especially kids who are particularly vulnerable. Through
this grant program, we have already been able to get 4 contractors in the Southwest Iowa area
certified as Lead Safe Contractors, which will ensure that lead poisoning awareness and
abatement will outlast this program and will continue to benefit the community for future
generations.” Previously, no such certified contractors were in the region.
If you would like to see if you qualify for assistance, then fill out the pre-screening questionnaire
available at www.swipco.org/housing-swihtf/lead-program/. To learn more about the grant
program, please contact the SWIPCO Lead Hazard Reduction Program Coordinator, Nicole
Rhodes, at 712-243-4196 or 866-279-4720 ext. 240 or by emailing nicole.rhodes@swipco.org.
