West Virginia is taking bold action to address abandoned and unsafe buildings through the state’s Dilapidated Properties Program (DLAP). Established by the Legislature in 2021, DLAP is a statewide initiative led by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection that partners directly with counties and municipalities to identify and remove dangerous, dilapidated structures. Local survey data revealed thousands of properties in need of remediation, representing a significant financial and public safety challenge. With the support of federal ARPA funding, the program has already helped communities complete more than 2,000 demolitions across the state.

DLAP is more than a demolition program — it’s an investment in safer neighborhoods and stronger communities. By removing hazardous structures, local leaders are reducing crime and emergency calls, improving property values, and creating space for new housing, small businesses, and economic development. With a strong emphasis on accountability, cost efficiency, and local partnership, DLAP is helping communities reclaim once-blighted properties and turn them into opportunities for growth across the Mountain State.