Crews kick off first 'Demolition Day,' using stormwater funding to tear down buildings

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Friday is the first of two so-called "Demolition Days" in the city of Houston.

City crews are scheduled to tear down eight structures on Friday and Saturday as part of a $30 million program.

The mayor says at least 343 buildings in the city could be torn down because they are located in flood plains and areas that hinder drainage.

These buildings are located all around the city, with the highest concentration on Houston's East side.

After more than a month of debate among city officials, the demolition was approved by a 9-7 vote.

That's not because leaders disagreed that problem buildings need to be torn down, but because the money to do it is coming from the city's stormwater mitigation fund, and there have been questions over whether this is a proper use of the money.

SEE PREVIOUS REPORTS:
New report shows millions in federal funding tied to Harris County flood projects could be at risk
Houston City Council approves using $30 million in flood money to demolish buildings
City council tags item that would allocate $30M in flood relief money for building demolitions