Senator asks for federal funding to back Shenandoah blight fight
SHENANDOAH – If a federal lawmaker has his way, Shenandoah could be getting a hefty boost towards the ongoing fight against blight.
U.S. Senator Dave McCormick is asking for $2 Million in federal funding toward a blight removal initiative in the borough. The request is one of many of his Congressionally Directed Spending Requests for Fiscal Year 2027. It must still be approved as part of the federal budget.
“This proposed investment would represent one of the most significant blight remediation efforts in the history of Shenandoah Borough,” said Mike Cadau, Borough Manager. “For decades, abandoned and unsafe structures have impacted property values, public safety, emergency response operations, and neighborhood quality of life. This initiative would allow the Borough to continue to aggressively address long-standing blight issues while helping position Shenandoah for future redevelopment and growth.”
According to the request posted to McCormick’s website, the funding would be used to take down 200 blighted homes in town.
“Blight has impacted Shenandoah for generations, and this proposed funding would give the Borough a real opportunity to change the future of our community,” said Joe Boris, Council President. “Removing approximately 200 unsafe and abandoned structures would not only improve public safety and neighborhood appearance, but would also help us address long-standing infrastructure issues and create opportunities for redevelopment and investment throughout the Borough. This is about improving quality of life for our residents and moving Shenandoah forward.”
Since 2017, dozens of properties have been taken down in the borough through a state-funded, county-run demolition program, including homes on East Lloyd and South Main Street recently.
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