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Mayors from across the state were in attendance last week when West Virginia Auditor JB McCuskey talked about next steps after the passage of Senate Bill 552, which will help municipalities address dilapidated buildings.
Beginning in June, the bill will provide $10 million to help cities and counties demolish structures doing more harm than good when it comes to safety and also property values.
"When we tell people that this is Mayberry, this is the kind of place your family will be happy and safe, we have to clean up our towns. We have to make sure they shine and sparkle like we advertise they do," McCuskey said.
As we all know, $10 million is just the tip of the iceberg for the amount of money needed to tackle a major problem in many Mountain State communities. In fact, McCuskey told MetroNews the problem costs closer to $300 million.
But benefits of the new process include eliminating an "enormous amount of bureaucratic red tape" in allowing cities and counties to buy properties; and creates a larger bidding process, which should drive down demolition costs, according to McCuskey.
Provided the elimination of that red tape does not infringe upon the rights of private property owners, local officials are likely thrilled with the prospect.
This is the kind of reform that will make a difference as we work to revitalize our communities, reinvigorate our population and transition our economy.
Lawmakers are to be congratulated for passage of SB 552. Now it is time for local communities to get to work fulfilling that mission.