In Appalachia, groups tackle coal's legacy of rural blight to make way for new development
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A crew from Coalfield Development Corp. that's remodeling a former warehouse in Williamson, West Virginia, is part of a broad effort to tackle empty or unkempt buildings in Appalachia.
Rural blight is a legacy of the coal industry's boom-and-bust nature in many communities in West Virginia and its neighbors.
Earlier this year, West Virginia University began a project to help rehabbers navigate the legal web surrounding older properties. Last year marked the launch of the statewide BAD buildings project which helps towns with dilapidated properties.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}While big cities have fought blight for years, experts say rural areas have lagged in creating systematic approaches. In recent years, anti-blight programs have sprung up around Appalachia.