Los Angeles County officials joined Long Beach in celebrating the issuance of a $1 million grant to remove lead-based paint at the Carmelitos public housing complex.

The grant is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Los Angeles County Development Authority for the complex on Via Wanda.

The grant was part of HUD’s $28 million commitment to reduce lead-based paint exposure in 38 of its public housing agencies across 25 states, mitigating about 2,800 units.

“HUD is committed to protecting families from harmful exposure to lead in and around HUD-assisted housing,” HUD Regional Administrator Christopher Patterson said. “To this end, we are proud to partner with the Los Angeles County Development Authority by deepening HUD’s investment in proven lead remediation solutions.”

The funds will help rehabilitate the interior and exterior of units at Carmelitos, which officials said will positively affect nearly 200 children younger than 6 who are residents, authorities said. There are more than 700 units at Carmelitos.

Authorities are also in the process of rehabbing the complex’s kitchens thanks to another grant.

“Throughout the years, the LACDA has taken aggressive measures to ensure that its properties are safe for our residents,” said Monique King-Viehland, executive director of LACDA, which owns and operates the complex.