A study done in 2020 by the Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. found this county had the third-oldest housing stock in the state and 45th in the nation. On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy offered some help with that problem.

A federal lead hazard reduction capacity building grant for the city of Dunkirk in the amount of $1,855,008 was announced by the congressman. “Lead exposure can have devastating effects on the health and well-being of our communities, especially our children,” the District 23 representative said. “I am pleased to announce this significant federal investment in Dunkirk to combat lead exposure in older homes and protect the health of future generations. This grant will allow the city of Dunkirk to expand its capabilities to address lead-based paint hazards in private housing.”

The Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant Program, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, aims to assist local governments like the city of Dunkirk in rebuilding capacity to undertake comprehensive programs to identify and control lead-based paint hazards.

With this funding, Dunkirk will be able to enhance its lead abatement efforts, particularly in areas where infrastructure and capacity have been diminished due to extenuating circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

COI’s study found more than 42.7% of the county’s homes were built before 1939, compared to 31.6% for New York and 12.5% for the nation. Just 0.7% of the county’s homes were built since 2010, while state and national percentages are two and five times as high, respectively.

In the county, nearly 86% of homes were built in 1979 or earlier, which is around the time that lead-based paint was determined to be a health hazard and discontinued.