Asbestos & Lead Paint Abatement Pilot Grant Program

The Asbestos & Lead Paint Abatement Grant Program is a pilot initiative established by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), pursuant to House Bill 24-1457. This program, managed by CDPHE’s Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division (HMWMD), seeks to address environmental and public health hazards in rural communities by funding the abatement of asbestos and lead-based paint in structures such as housing units, commercial buildings, and redevelopment sites. The funding is intended to mitigate risks associated with deteriorating or contaminated materials that could pose serious health threats to residents and hinder economic development. The program is designed to serve rural local governments across Colorado that meet the statutory definition under C.R.S. 39-22-526(1)(b)(II). Eligible applicants must submit a comprehensive application to CDPHE demonstrating regulatory compliance and community need. Required application components include inspection reports confirming the presence of asbestos-containing materials above trigger levels or verifying eligibility for lead-based paint abatement under C.R.S. 25-7-1102, as well as documentation of permits, regulatory approvals, site ownership, and a detailed needs assessment. The grant operates on a cost-reimbursement basis and does not require matching funds. Projects should focus solely on the remediation of asbestos and lead paint hazards and must exclude any unrelated personnel or indirect costs. Applicants must submit a detailed budget developed by a qualified engineer, environmental professional, or contractor, and CDPHE reserves the right to negotiate the final award amount. Awards are limited by available funding, with up to $200,000 available annually for fiscal years 2025–26 and 2026–27. CDPHE anticipates funding one to three projects per year. Applications are evaluated based on four weighted criteria: potential for environmental or human health exposure (40 points), community benefit (30 points), budget and flexibility (20 points), and partnerships (10 points). Applications that omit required components may be eliminated. All applications are due by May 31 annually, and award notifications are expected by July 31, with contracts effective by August 30. Projects should be completed within one year of the contract execution, with possible extensions depending on performance and funding availability. The application process includes submitting seven required documents, such as the CDPHE cover sheet, narrative, financial risk assessment, detailed budget, and cleanup work plan. Applications must be submitted electronically to the program contact, Kyle Sandor, by the annual May 31 deadline. This pilot grant program, which will sunset on July 1, 2027, provides a strategic opportunity for rural communities to remediate hazardous structures and support redevelopment and public health goals.

Ensure all required documents are submitted by May 31 deadline to avoid disqualification.