VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Vermilion Advantage is aiming to get rid of blighted homes with a new program. The CEO of the economic development corporation met with the county board to suggest his ideas.

Vermilion Advantage is hoping to start a program that will match funding for villages, towns and cities within the county as an extra resource. The CEO of the corporation is asking Vermilion County Board Members for at least $400,000 to distribute.

The money will be given to village and city leaders who may need extra finances to demolish tax delinquent homes. They’ll help match what they spend to hopefully give them a boost and beautify the community.

One mayor said it’s definitely a need and it could help a few smaller areas like Bismarck and Fithian.

“That’s a community of 200 people. So, I just sit here and said that it takes $15,000-$20,000 to remove a blighted house,” said Tilton Mayor William Wear. “Do you really think a town of 200 people would have the resources or the finances to be able to afford that? And that’s where this comes in.”

The CEO of Vermilion Advantage said what could replace the homes in these areas are restaurants, affordable housing and more.

“This is a huge issue for economic development around the entire county,” said Vermilion Advantage CEO Mike Marron. “If we’re going to be successful at bringing in new investment and attracting people to come and live and work and recreate in Vermillion County, the county really needs a facelift.”

Marron said they’re still working out the details to present at the next county board meeting.