In 2024, Colorado passed a critical law to assist rural areas in dealing with health issues caused by dangerous substances in old buildings. The newly established Rural Housing and Development Asbestos & Lead Paint Abatement Pilot Grant Program for local governments in rural areas aims to finance projects related to removing these hazardous materials, including Lead Paint Removal Service, from private and commercial establishments.

This blog describes the new program, the requirements for applicants, and the ways this program helps rural Colorado communities maintain a cleaner and healthier habitat.

Overview of the Abestos & Lead Paint Abatement Grant Program

The Asbestos & Lead Paint Abatement Grant Program is a statute enacted in June 2024 and operational from August 7, 2024. It provides rural local authorities with the necessary funds to help remove virtually all dangerous asbestos and lead-based paint from homes or buildings.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) implements the program, whose goals include reducing costs and enhancing health. On the 1st of July 2025, grants will commence with a first distribution of $200,000 for the fiscal year 2025-26 and an additional sum of $200,000 for the subsequent fiscal year 2026-27.

Eligibility Criteria for the Pilot Grant Program
The program targets rural local governments, which face challenges due to limited resources for hazardous material removal. Local governments must meet specific requirements to comply with environmental and health safety standards to apply. The application must include:

  • Inspection Report: Applicants must submit a report detailing asbestos-containing materials above trigger levels in line with CDPHE rules for renovation or demolition sites with asbestos.
  • Lead-Based Paint Eligibility: The application must show that the site qualifies as a lead-paint-eligible facility, targeting older buildings with lead-based paint.
  • Permits and Approvals: Applicants must prove they have secured necessary permits and regulatory approvals from the air pollution control division to avoid impacting air quality.
  • Community Needs Assessment: The application must assess the community’s need for lead paint removal and explain how the grant addresses local health and safety concerns.

These criteria ensure that only eligible projects are funded, supporting effective lead paint removal.

How the Grant Program Supports Rural Community Health and Development
This funding initiative is essential for remote regions with no resources to remove such materials on a larger scale. Exposure to lead paint contributes to long-term health complications such as respiratory illness and developmental problems in children. Therefore, the program fast-tracks the removal of these unsafe facilities for health, which is on the more positive side, improving safety in homes and businesses. 

  • Residential Safety: Lead paint is common in older rural homes, posing risks to families, especially children. The grant aims to remove these hazards and improve living conditions.
  • Commercial Viability: Removing lead from commercial buildings contributes to safer, more viable spaces for businesses and public facilities. It revitalizes aging infrastructure.
  • Community Development: The program supports rural health and economic growth. Hazard-free buildings are more attractive for development and investment, boosting local economies.

Application Process for Local Governments

Local governments interested in the grant should follow these steps:

  1. Preparation and Community Assessment – Conduct a community needs assessment to identify structures needing lead paint abatement. Assess the potential health benefits.
  2. Obtain Inspection Reports and Eligibility Documentation—Obtain inspection reports regarding locations that necessitate remediation and confirm that such reports satisfy the requirements prescribed by the legislative measure.
  3. Regulatory Approvals—Obtain all relevant licenses and consents from the air quality control division, ensuring that state and federal legislation is adhered to.
  4. Submit the Application – Once enough materials are assembled, the application should be filed with the CDPHE for evaluation.
  5. Approval and Begin the Project—Once approved, contract-certified abatement services will carry out the work, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Following these steps ensures a compliant, efficient application process.

The Importance of Compliance and Certified Abatement Services

Certified professionals must carry out all abatement activities funded by the grant. This ensures compliance with Colorado’s strict asbestos and lead abatement regulations. These experts ensure containment, removal, and disposal follow safety guidelines. They minimize contamination risks and protect public health. Working with certified services ensures program compliance and transparency, helping local governments maximize the grant’s benefits.

Benefits of the Lead Paint Abatement Grant Program

This pilot grant program offers key benefits for rural communities:

  • Improved Public Health: Reducing lead paint exposure improves health outcomes, especially for vulnerable groups like children and older people.
  • Economic Relief for Local Governments: The grants ease financial burdens, enabling rural governments to tackle health issues without diverting resources from other essential services.
  • Enhanced Property Values: Hazard-free buildings attract potential buyers or renters, potentially increasing property values and promoting community growth.
  • Sustainable Community Development: The program supports long-term development by making residential and commercial spaces safer for future generations.

Secure a Healthier Space with Professional Asbestos and Lead Paint Removal

At Risk Removal, we are focused on ensuring your property is safe, clean, and conducive to your health. We offer services such as asbestos abatement and removing lead-based paints so our team implements safe and effective solutions for hazardous materials. Whether you’r ,considering to apply for a grant or deciding if you are in need of abatement services, Risk Removal stands with you to ensure your space is free from hazards.

Reach out today to learn how we can help make your property safer for you and your community.

Maximizing the Impact of the Program Before its Repeal

Since the Asbestos & Lead Paint Abatement Grant Program expires in 2027, local governments must act swiftly. Identifying eligible structures and completing the application process early will ensure funding for projects. These projects enhance public health and safety. This temporary funding window represents a unique opportunity for rural areas to make meaningful changes. It also helps protect residents from hazardous materials.

By leveraging the Asbestos & Lead Paint Abatement Grant Program, rural Colorado communities can reduce health risks and show legislators there is a need for these services in the plains and mountains of Colorado. They can improve property conditions and strengthen overall community resilience. This creates safer, healthier spaces for all.