FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection confirmed Friday afternoon that the City of Fairmont would be awarded $332,711 through the agency’s Dilapidated Properties Program (DLAP).

The money will be used to pay for the demolition of the structure at 200 Adams Street, which partially collapsed in October 2025 and was fully demolished following an emergency order from the City Manager.

The WVDEP’s contribution is part of an 80/20 split in the cost for the demolition, with the remaining cost coming from the City’s capital budget. The City’s share of the cost amounts to $83,177. The total cost of the demolition and cleanup of the 200 Adams Street structure amounts to $415,888.

"The WVDEP's Dilapidated Properties Program is designed to help towns, counties, and local governments address abandoned structures, which can create long-term safety and quality-of-life issues for communities," said WVDEP Secretary Harold Ward. "This reimbursement recognizes Fairmont's completed demolition of an unsafe property and supports the City's broader downtown improvement efforts, clearing the way for new economic growth and prosperity for our citizens and the region."

As part of this process, City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on an ordinance at its Jan. 27, 2026, regular meeting. If approved, this ordinance will initiate the process of transferring the property to the City. There is no additional cost involved in the transfer of this property beyond the demolition costs outlined above.

The future use of this property is still under discussion.

“On behalf of the City of Fairmont, I want to thank Governor Morrisey and the West Virginia DEP for these funds to clean up this structure, which posed a real threat to our historic downtown,” City Manager Travis Blosser said. “This contribution from our state partners lightens both the monetary and mental burden weighing on our taxpayers, and we can’t thank them enough.”