Dilapidated Buildings through
the Community Resurrection and
Economic Development Act
During the 2022 Regular Legislative Session, State Auditor J.B. McCuskey introduced Senate Bill 552 (SB 552) to address the multitude of dilapidated and blighted buildings throughout West Virginia. The bill attempts to revitalize how the Land Bank operates in West Virginia and set aside $30 million in grant funding to assist cities and counties in demolishing eyesore buildings. In previous years, counties and cities have drawn demolition funding from their general revenue budgets, resulting in a slow solution to a continuous, growing issue.
State officials estimate there are 15,000 dilapidated structures in West Virginia. The negative image conveyed by neglected and abandoned buildings can make it challenging to motivate people to move into a community. By addressing these eyesores, SB 552 aims to create welcoming and safe communities that citizens can take pride in. SB 552 will also help address houses that can be saved and incentivize ownership and repurposing of the lands. When conditions are met, owners will be offered a hardship plan for repayment arrangements and tax forgiveness. The bill would also allow sheriffs to offer discounts on tax liability and allow delinquent taxpayers to redeem in payment plans.
McCuskey believes equipping counties and cities with grant awards will allow them to more efficiently address West Virginia’s multitude of abandoned and dilapidated properties and hopes that awarding large regional contracts for demolition will provide significant cost savings to the state, counties, and cities. McCuskey continues to meet with local leaders from across the state to introduce the bill and discuss what works best within their community.