News  Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds

On or about January 9th, 2026, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of federal funds under two Lead Hazard Control awards, totaling $8,250,000. The funds will be used to build and sustain a state-wide lead hazard abatement program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). With these funds, 200 homes in Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester County will be abated. Because of city-specific HUD grants, the cities of Boston, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lynn, Malden, New Bedford, Quincy, and Worcester are excluded. Out of the 200 homes, 150 will receive additional funding to make healthy homes related repairs.

The proposed activities will include assessing and abating lead hazards and other in-home environmental hazards to improve housing conditions for eligible households.

Environmental Review:

MDPH has completed a Tier 1 Environmental Review of the proposed program in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58. Based on this review, MDPH has determined that the program will not have a significant impact on the human environment.

A copy of the Tier 1 Environmental Review Record (ERR) is available through this announcement. Please see attached documents at the bottom of the announcement. 

Public Comment Period:

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR or the proposed release of funds to MDPH during the public comment period, which runs from:

December 29, 2025, through January 7^th, 2026.

Comments must be submitted in writing to:

Eric Fortier
HUD Grant Program Manager
67 Forest St
Marlborough MA, 01752
781-531-4063
Eric.Fortier@Mass.Gov

All comments received by January 7^th, 2026, will be considered prior to MDPH submitting the request for release of funds to HUD.

Release of Funds:

MDPH certifies to HUD that Robbie Goldstein, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, in his official capacity, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities under NEPA and related laws, and that these responsibilities have been satisfied.

Objections to Release of Funds:

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s certification for a period of seven (7) days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later), only if they are on one of the following bases: The certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health; the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be emailed to the Environmental Officer, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, at OLHCHHPECOS@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.