2008 Hurricane Ike Sill A Problem For County

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) — Almost eight years after Hurricane Ike, Galveston County is still dealing with damaged and abandoned property left behind.

About 500 homes qualified for grant money to be removed under a community development program and a majority of the property owners have removed the hazardous structures.

County spokeswoman Brittany Rainville tells The Galveston County Daily News (http://bit.ly/1TZFUCS ) that of the remaining some 200 buildings, 34 have been taken down and Galveston County commissioners have now approved razing another 15.

She says the tear-downs can take time to resolve such items as probate court and foreclosure proceedings. One demolition project was stalled to determine if the home being razed had any historical significance.

Most of the homes or businesses still awaiting removal are in San Leon or on the Bolivar Peninsula.