BENTON HARBOR, Mich. - The City of Benton Harbor was awarded $100,000 to expand residential lead hazard services to households with a Medicaid-enrolled resident, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The health department awarded a total of $7 million across the state for lead hazard services. Funding comes from Michigan's Children's Health Insurance Program.

With the money, a number of services are now available to Benton Harbor. As part of the terms of the award, the city must complete the following activities by September 30, 2023, according to the health department:

• Inspection, risk assessment and/or elevated blood lead investigation activities to determine the presence of lead hazards
• Permanent removal, enclosure or encapsulation of lead-based paint and lead dust hazards for eligible residences
• Removal or covering of soil lead hazards up to eligible residence property lines
• Minimal rehabilitation to help sustain the lead abatement work
• Removal of pre-2014 faucets and fixtures used for human consumption, plumbing and/or service lines that are a lead hazard
• Temporary relocation of residents during abatement activities
• Building local capacity to safely and effectively abate lead hazards

Click here to learn more about lead services.