The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced more than $20 million in grants to eliminate lead exposure across New Jersey. The funding will allow Paterson, Elizabeth, Newark and Irvington to make efforts to reduce health hazards in hundreds of households.

Part of the funding falls under HUD's Lead Hazard Reduction Program, which seeks to protect children under the age of 6 from lead poisoning.

“Addressing lead poisoning is a top priority at HUD,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “HUD has partnered with communities across the country to reduce lead exposure, particularly for children. The awards announced will help with HUD’s continued commitment to create housing that is safe.”

According to Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, the city applied for and received grant funding in 2020. The amount being given this year is more than double what's been received in the past.

Paterson was granted $7,170,822. Newark was given $7,750,000. Irvington was given $1,893,618. And Elizabeth has been awarded $2,500,000.

"We are saving lives in the city of Paterson thanks to this historic grant that we’re receiving," said Sayegh. "The whole goal of this particular grant is to make sure that we reduce the risk. If it’s lead in the paint or pipes, we are going to be on it."

Sayegh said teams will be approaching 120 homes for assessment. The grant also includes additional funding for Healthy Homes interventions. That will allow municipalities to create comprehensive improvements that support long-term health and safety.

"These teams go out after hours, knock on the doors, assess the risk and then, if necessary, make sure that we take the appropriate action to mitigate the hazard," said Sayegh.

Stevens Institute of Technology was also awarded $799,999 through the Lead and Healthy Homes Technical Studies Programs in order to support research into preventing and controlling health and safety concerns.