By Daniel R.C. DeLuca

WINCHESTER, NV — UNLV has undertaken a project which may save lives, in a joint effort with the City of Las Vegas. According to a press release from the university, the Las Vegas Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program has received a $1.8 million grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The project will involve testing paint in a number of the city’s oldest zip codes: 89101, 89106, 89107, and 89108. This area includes the major attractions in Winchester – Fremont Street, the Arts District, and the World Market Center – as well as a multitude of historic districts in Spring Valley.

UNLV estimates that free repairs will be made on approximately “85 homes during a three-year period.” However, each eligible home must be built before 1978 and meet HUD’s income guidelines. Additionally, each family applying for repairs must have a child no more than five years of age and/or an expectant mother who undergoes regular exposure to lead in the home.

Not all of the grant money is being squirrelled away for lead-related hazards; UNLV’s press release states that $150,000 will be set aside to address hazards which may induce asthma attacks, various kinds of poisoning, and physical trauma. The project is an extension of a previous development plan carried out in Henderson several years ago.

Please contact Earlie King with the City of Las Vegas (702-229-5935) with questions regarding your home’s eligibility for these services, which are expected to begin next season.