CHESTER — Chester council passed a memorandum of understanding during its regular meeting Monday which potentially provides the city additional help tackling the next round of dilapidated houses.

Council agreed to the agreement with Hancock County commissioners, which potentially gives them access to state grant funding they received for removal of unsafe structures.

The commission receives West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s REAPand DLAP funds for this purpose and all demolition and removal activities will have to comply with applicable state law and any grant conditions.

Mayor Ed Wedgewood estimated that Hancock County has around $130,000 in funds to dispose of and hopes to exhaust $52,000 of that on demolition of the four properties on Chester’s dilapidated list this year. They are 209 Alpine Lane, 550 Virginia Ave., 166 Montana Ave. and 700 6th St.

Council approved the list as well as bidding out for demolition as well as asbestos abatement if needed.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com