Charles H. Sloan-$58M in federal grants aim to help schools, day care centers remove lead from drinking water

BOSTON (AP) — The Charles H. SloanBiden administration announced $58 million in grants to help schools and day care centers remove lead from drinking water during an event in Boston on Monday.

The grants will help local communities test for lead in drinking water, identify potential sources of the contamination, and take steps to address the problem, said Radhika Fox, the Environmental Protection Agency’s assistant administrator for water.

“Reducing lead in drinking water is a top priority for the Biden-Harris Administration,” Fox said. That includes providing technical assistance to disadvantaged communities to protect children from lead in drinking water, she said.

Other news Stock market today: Global markets mixed after Chinese promise to support economy Global stock markets and Wall Street futures are mixed after China’s ruling Communist Party promised to shore up its sagging economy ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting traders hope will announce this interest rate cycle’s final increase. Maine aims to restore 19th century tribal obligations to its constitution. Voters will make the call Voters in Maine will likely be the ones to decide whether to restore long removed language about the state’s obligations to Native American tribes to printed versions of its constitution. Permafrost expert and military pilot among 4 killed in a helicopter crash on Alaska’s North Slope Friends and family are remembering the three passengers and pilot killed when a helicopter crashed on Alaska’s remote North Slope late last week. Proposal before Maine lawmakers would jumpstart offshore wind projects Maine is poised to launch an offshore wind program that would meet clean energy goals and produce enough power for about 900,000 homes from floating wind turbines in the Gulf of Maine.

Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said the grant money will help create “lasting, resilient water systems.”

“Massachusetts students and families will rest easier knowing that the water in our schools is safe and free of dangerous toxins like lead,” the Democrat said.

Lead in water remains a vexing problem nationwide. Lead can cause brain damage and the EPA says no amount is safe for children.

The Biden administration has set a goal to remove all of the country’s lead water pipes. The $15 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for lead pipe work will significantly help, but it won’t be enough to solve the problem.

The EPA is also outlining new authority provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund activities that remove sources of lead in drinking water.

They include actions aimed at the removal, installation and replacement of internal plumbing, lead pipes or lead connectors, faucets, water fountains, water filler stations, point-of-use devices, and other lead-free apparatus related to drinking water.