BOISE - A series of EPA-certified training will be held throughout March for lead abatement workers, lead inspectors and risk assessors, the Idaho Housing and Finance Association announced today.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) promulgated a new regulation on September 15, 1999 establishing requirements for notification, evaluation and reduction of lead-based paint hazards in federally owned residential property and housing receiving federal assistance (Lead Safe Housing Regulation). The Lead Safe Housing Regulation took effect September 15, 2000, at which time the Idaho Housing and Finance Association was required to comply.

In collaboration with IHFA, the City of Boise has contracted with the Western Regional Lead Training Center at Oregon State University to conduct EPA-certified training for lead abatement workers and supervisors, lead inspectors and risk assessors. IHFA encourages all organizations to help get the word out to the appropriate individuals who might benefit from this training. Registration must be completed and returned by March 9, 2001. Trainings will be held at Boise City Housing and Community Development, 1025 S. Capitol Blvd. on the following dates:

March 12-13: Lead Abatement Worker

March 14-17: Abatement Supervisor and Contractor

March 19-21: Lead Inspector

March 19-23: Lead Risk Assessor

Space in these training courses is limited and will be made available on a "first-come, first-served basis." IHFA is providing a limited number of scholarships to Section 3 or minority- and women-owned businesses, or businesses that are qualified as Section 3 companies, and to contractors providing services in under-served areas. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must return the application together with a letter describing their business and service area, and attach a resume of the contractor describing the minimum prerequisites required for EPA certification. For more information, call IHFA’s Grant Programs Department at 208-331-4759, or toll-free 1-877-4GRANTS.

In addition, HUD is offering maintenance worker training sessions for a one-day lead-based paint maintenance training program—"Work Smart, Work Wet and Work Clean to Work Lead-Safe." This training is for maintenance workers, property owners and managers, and other staff responsible for activities such as repainting and minor repairs. The second one-day course is for contractors and workers performing rehabilitation or remodeling activities including weatherization, structural repairs and unit upgrading for rehab projects under $5,000. HUD will make the training free to all participants.

A set of course descriptions and registration informaiton can be found on the Internet by accessing HUD’s Web site at http://www.leadlisting.org and clicking on "HUD-sponsored training."

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a financial services and housing organization, provides funding for affordable housing in Idaho communities where they are most needed and when it is economically feasible. IHFA uses no state funds or state employees to support its operations. For more information, visit our Web site at www.ihfa.org.