Saud Anwar

Senator Anwar Lauds Approval of Relief for Crumbling Foundations

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) lauded the Senate’s passing of legislation providing support to those whose homes have been impacted by crumbling foundations. Having already passed the House, this approval means the legislation will soon go to the Governor’s desk for signing.

“This issue is impacting a number of communities in eastern Connecticut,” said Sen. Anwar. “Homeowners and business owners continue to learn the homes and buildings they’ve worked so hard to attain are unsafe. Repairing this issue can cost more than most can afford. Few can pay on their own. By taking action today, we ease their burden and support so many who are struggling. I look forward to Governor Lamont signing this bill.”

House Bill No. 7179, “An Act Concerning Crumbling Concrete Foundations,” takes a number of steps to support property owners whose properties suffer from crumbling foundations. The language includes:

• A new grant program, established by the Commissioner of Housing, to support the development of new technology reducing the average cost of repairing and replacing the cost of repairing and replacing concrete foundations.
• An innovation board to review applications for that grant program.
• An $8 million appropriation to fund grants through that program.
• A modification of the Healthy Homes Fund surcharge to support affected property owners.
• Redefining the term “residential building” to support property owners experiencing this problem.

Thousands of homes across Connecticut could be deemed uninhabitable or require significant repairs due to the presence of the chemical pyrrhotite in the concrete used to pour their foundations. Dozens of towns, including those in the 3rd District, may have homes compromised by the presence of the chemical.