Toledo to receive $1 million for home health & safety measures, energy conservation

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D) announced $1 million in federal funding for health and safety measures and energy conversation efforts for Toledo homes on Wednesday.

It’s part of a federal housing infrastructure pilot program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Energy. Kaptur, the Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, secured $5 million to create the pilot program, divided between five U.S. cities. Toledo is just one recipient.

Toledo’s funding was awarded to the Department of Neighborhoods and NeighborWorks Toledo to fix health and safety hazards in at least 40 homes throughout the city. The awarded money will address lead paint hazards, mold and moisture, pest infestations, air quality, and more. The funding may also be used for energy audits and identifying and implementing energy conservation measures.

“There is no greater investment in the economic future of an individual than an investment in a home,” said Kaptur. “This initiative will increase home values while also lowering the energy costs as a key anti-poverty measure. Finally, it will help ensure our community, and our country is doing its part to meet our climate goals to reduce the demand for energy.”

Kaptur was joined by Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson, and leadership from the Department of Neighborhoods and NeighborWorks Toledo in the Junction neighborhood for the announcement.

Kapszukiewicz notes the funding opportunity is indicative of a new approach and philosophy by leaders in Washington, D.C. under the Biden administration.

“Resources now are finally being dedicated to people and to neighborhoods and not as much to Wall Street banks and airlines and folks who gold at Mar-a-Lago and elsewhere,” said Kapszukiewciz. “You’re going to see more and more of this from Congresswoman Kaptur and her allies on Capitol Hill because there’s been an ideological shift, that once again for the first time in generations, benefits real people.”

Copyright 2021 WTVG. All rights reserved.