CRCOG and State Lawmakers Join Forces in the Fight to Provide Relief for Crumbling Foundation Homeowners

HARTFORD – Elected officials from both sides of the aisle in conjunction with The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) Ad-Hoc Working Committee on Crumbling Foundations hosted a joint press conference to discuss current legislation centered on crumbling foundations.

On Tuesday, legislators and municipal leaders from around the state highlighted bills from the more than 20 proposed this session between the House and Senate directly related the crumbling foundations issue.

Here are the six proposals related the crumbling foundations issue which received a public hearing today in the General Assembly:

• SB-905, AN ACT CONCERNING FAILING CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
• HB-7175, AN ACT REQUIRING THE TESTING OF CONCRETE AGGREGATE FOR THE PRESENCE OF PYRRHOTITE
• SB-881, AN ACT CONCERNING A STUDY OF POTENTIAL METHODS OF PROVIDING RELIEF TO HOMEOWNERS WITH CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS
• HB-7160, AN ACT CONCERNING A STUDY OF A LOAN GUARANTEE FUND FOR CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS
• SB-794, AN ACT ASSISTING HOMEOWNERS WITH CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS
• SB-806, AN ACT ALLOWING MUNICIPALITIES TO ESTABLISH A GRANT PROGRAM TO REPLACE OR REPAIR CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS

For a full video of the press release click here.

Many homes within these communities have been built using pyrrhotite, an iron sulfide material which has led to foundations falling apart. It is estimated that there are more than 30 municipalities and 500 homes in Connecticut which have been directly affected as a result of crumbling foundations. According to CRCOG, the only remediation to these homeowners is re-pouring those foundations. The cost to do so can range anywhere from $150,000 to $250,000.

“On behalf of the homeowners, neighbors and towns regarding the failing foundations, the time to act is now,” Rep. Ackert said. “This problem is now everyone’s problem. Even those homes that aren’t faced with crumbling foundations are still directly impacted. Due to shrinking grand lists, neighboring property values are also suffering significantly. The psychological and physical health of those affected is lessening their quality of life,” he continued.

“We need to find a remedy that provides relief to homeowners without forcing the burden on to our local municipalities or solely on our state,” said Rep. Davis. “My colleagues on both sides of the aisle understand that we have a serious situation on our hands, and I remain hopeful that we will be able to find common ground between all the stakeholders who are being impacted by this awful situation.”

“The problem of crumbling concrete foundations is nothing more than a slow moving hurricane,” said Senator Tony Guglielmo. “This problem is devastating Northeastern Connecticut and will have a wide sweeping impact on the entire state. I urge my fellow legislators to support measures that will begin to help these families that are literally losing their homes due to no fault on their part.”

“We look forward to working with the legislature to create comprehensive legislation that provides immediate relief to those suffering from crumbling foundations. To make this successful all levels of government and the insurance companies have to come together and recognize that the time to act is now. The economic stability of our communities along with the financial and mental health of our residents hangs in the balance,” Tolland Town Manager Steve Werbner said.

“Now is the time to address the issue of crumbling concrete foundations through meaningful legislative action.  This problem is not going to go away and if ignored will greatly affect the economic stability of the entire state and continue to financially and emotionally devastate families in 37 towns in Connecticut.   Now is the time for all levels of government, insurance companies and the banking industry to work together to provide immediate relief for those homeowners facing this problem,” Somers First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini said.