Michigan Launches Major Blight Demolition Program

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The state of Michigan is using $100 million of the Treasury Department’s’ Hardest Hit Fund for the demolition of vacant and abandoned homes in five cities.

Detroit will receive $52.3 million for its Blight Elimination Program that will initially target vacant homes and other structures around public schools to make those areas safer for students.

Federal Hardest Hit funds will also be allocated to Flint, Grand Rapids, Pontiac and Saginaw for anti-blight efforts.

Treasury undersecretary Mary Miller joined several Michigan congressmen at a press conference in Detroit Monday. She noted the cities generally complain that demolition funds are the “hardest money” to get.

“Treasury applauds Michigan's hard work and creativity that led to $100 million in Hardest Hit Funds being dedicated to the Blight Elimination Program,” Miller said. Other states have taken notice and may develop similar programs.”

Gov. Rick Snyder stressed that the large-scale demolition projects will stabilize neighborhoods, preserve property values and reduce crime.

“As abandoned properties come down,” the governor said, “that will encourage people who live in those neighborhoods to stay in their homes and be part of the revitalization of their communities.”