MERCER COUNTY, W.Va. – Mercer County’s dilapidated structures officer, Lori Mills received the Ready, Set, Demo award from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection on Monday.
She earned the achievement for tearing down 174 dilapidated buildings which was the most in the state. It was made possible thanks to $1.5 million in state funds.
“Just three and a half years ago Mercer County didn’t have a dilapidated structures program. We didn’t have any way to tackle the problem of all these collapsed and dilapidated structures,” said Mills. “So to go from three and a half years ago of having nothing to being number one in the state. It’s a good feeling.”
Mills says she was a little shocked to receive the award but she’s proud to receive it. She credits those around her for making it happen.
She says the county received an additional $750,000 to tear down more buildings and she’s already looking forward. Mills says some buildings may be coming down this week.
“I’m hopeful to hit 100. It’s half the money we had last time. Last time we got 174 but we also took down some very large buildings in Matoaka. That was a good portion of that. I don’t have as many big buildings in this plan for the $750,000,” said Mills.
Mills is the first ever recipient for the award. She’s also partially responsible for creating the award’s name which was adopted by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
Mills is encouraging anyone interested in having a dilapidated structure torn down to reach out to her office for an application.
Applications can be picked up at Mills’ office on the first floor of the war museum building. You can also request an application by emailing Mills at [email protected]
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