Regional Planning Commission receives grant for lead abatement

MT. PLEASANT - The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC) has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to remove lead paint in homes across Southeast Iowa. This grant will fund significant repairs to 29 homes, a limited number, so early application is encouraged. To check eligibility or begin an application, call SEIRPC at 319‑753‑4324.

“SEIRPC has been securing grants to improve homes for decades, but we’ve never had a program focused on removing dangerous lead paint. Now, we finally do”, stated Mike Norris, executive director of SEIRPC.

According to an SEIRPC press release, homeowners may qualify if:

• The home was built before 1978

• A child age 5 or under or a pregnant woman lives in or regularly visits the home

• Income guidelines are met (for example, a family of four must earn less than $77,000)

Landlords may qualify if:

• The home was built before 1978

• They prioritize renting to families with young children

“Grandparents or caretakers may apply as long a child 5 or under visits regularly,” said Jack Swarm, lead paint inspector and risk assessor for the SEIRPC. “We are looking forward to helping families make their homes safer.”

Even if families do not qualify, the SEIRPC will offer their services for what they call “a reasonable fee”.

According to Norris, Southeast Iowa has a higher percentage of older homes, built before lead paint was banned in 1978.

“Many families only discover the issue when their children test high for lead exposure,” he said. “Until now, there hasn’t been a program to help them address the problem quickly and safely.”

Lead-based paint is especially dangerous for young children, who absorb lead more easily and are more likely to ingest dust or paint chips.

“When lead paint flakes, peels, or wears down on windows and doors, it turns into dust that spreads throughout the home,” explained Swarm. “Kids get dust on their hands and toys, and then into their mouths. Or sometimes kids chew on lead paint or eat paint chips because lead has a sweet taste. Lead then quickly enters their bloodstream.”

SEIRPC offers housing rehabilitation programs in Des Moines, Lee, Louisa, and Henry counties. In 2024, the organization completed 61 housing improvement projects, spending $2 million on homes. In 2025, SEIRPC invested $1.2 million to improve 29 area homes.

This new grant, according to the release, will allow SEIRPC to assist 29 homes with young children by covering all costs associated with lead paint hazard reduction — including inspections, repairs or removal, and temporary relocation during the work. Because funding is limited to 29 homes, early applications are encouraged.

The SEIRPC hosts other programs to assist homeowners with crucial home repairs, such as roofing, siding, windows, doors, furnaces, water heaters, electrical and plumbing systems, ramps, and any other crucial home repairs. The Great River Housing Trust fund can provide up to $20,000 in assistance, and it is always taking applications.

“We have another grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank which is also providing up to $20,000 in assistance,” said Swarm. “Additionally, we are always adding new programs, and each program usually has different income requirements, so it always work calling us and checking.”

To check eligibility or begin an application, call SEIRPC at 319‑753‑4324.

Call Marilyn Higgins at 319-368-8895 or email her at marilyn.higgins@southeastiowaunion.com