Pelosi Statement on Recovery Funds Allocated to City of San Francisco

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement in response to the $3 million granted to the City of San Francisco under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act:

"The Obama Administration's allocation of $3 million in Recovery Act funds to San Francisco for abatement of dangerous lead-based paint from low-income homes is wonderful news to the residents of San Francisco. These funds will help protect young children from the serious health effects of lead poisoning and maintain jobs in San Francisco.

"The lack of safe and affordable housing is one of the most serious social and economic issues facing our nation. Without an adequate supply of affordable housing, millions of Americans have been forced to spend as much as half of their income on housing. This grant will assist our city in addressing the health aspects of many of the affordable housing units in our community, and will also ensure that more affordable housing units are made safe and available for inhabitation.

"Working families in San Francisco and across the country should not be forced to choose between housing, health care, food, and other basic needs. In San Francisco, where the cost of housing is among the most expensive in the nation, these Recovery Act funds will primarily be used to ensure the safety of affordable housing for residents most in need."

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Background information:

The City of San Francisco will be awarded $3 million in federal funding under HUD's Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control grant program. The project will control lead hazards in 35 owner-occupied and 120 rental housing units, as well as in 20 vacant rental units. Based on U.S. census data, it will assist 300 children living in units with lead hazards, provide 150 children with blood lead testing, and reach 2,500 individuals through community lead hazard awareness activities.