Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., announced the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded the Minnesota Department of Health a grant of $3,300,000 to address safety hazards and health concerns, including lead paint.

According to a news release, in September Klobuchar sent a letter in support of the MDH’s application for funding through the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program.

“The availability of safe and affordable housing is an essential issue for families and the health of our communities,” Klobuchar wrote in the letter. “This funding for the Minnesota Department of Health will address serious safety hazards and health concerns to ensure Minnesotans have reliable housing options.”

Under the grant program, approximately $324 million was available to assist states, Native American tribes and local governments in undertaking comprehensive programs to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned rental or owner-occupied housing.