State leaders say Haverhill’s plans to tackle lead pipe replacements could be delayed by the Trump Administration.
As WHAV reported a year ago, Haverhill was awarded a three-year, $2.4 million federal Lead Hazard Reduction Grant to remove lead paint from at least 75 homes. Gov. Maura T. Healey, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg said Tuesday a nationwide delay poses health threats.
“The Trump Administration has delayed more than $50 million in federal funding for lead service line replacement in Massachusetts,” said Healey. “Funding local projects is vital to get lead out of our drinking water. Massachusetts has some of the oldest housing stock and water infrastructure in the nation, and lead service lines remain a threat to public health, particularly for young children. These funds stimulate our economy by creating construction jobs, replacing outdated infrastructure and most importantly ensuring that residents are drinking safe, clean water. We urge the Trump Administration to cease this dangerous delay in critical funding.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last year planned a $50.1 million lead grant allocation through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The money would go to Massachusetts Clean Water Trust’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The state would then select priority projects and partner with communities and other recipients to complete critical infrastructure projects.
The Trump Administration is delaying allocation of the 2024 Lead Grant to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust while it conducts a review against President Trump’s executive orders. State officials say there is no timeline for when the funds will be released. In addition, they said, Massachusetts is still awaiting the EPA’s revised formula that could impact the amount of the 2025 and 2026 grants.