Crumbling, decaying and dingy.
Dilapidated homes are becoming a nuisance in rural Nebraska.

"It's a pretty big problem and its sad to say as we depopulate rural America. We have to find something to keep people here," said State Senator Norm Wallman of Cortland.

In Gage County, it's not just homes. Commercial and industrial sites sit empty too because businesses aren't moving in.

"It's very difficult if you have dilapidated, rundown properties to attract families to come into town and to attract businesses that come into town," said Village of Adams' Attorney Andrew Carothers.

The beat-up buildings aren't just bad for business they are a safety issue.

"People may say well it's really not hurting anything. Number one it's an eyesore but its dangerous if kids get in it its a health hazard," State Senator Russ Karpisek of Wilber.

According to county health officials, dilapidated structures pose a health treat to communities. Open spaces are easy access points for disease carrying vermin.

Officials say other communities have the same problems, but have better resources to address the growing concern.

"The problem that you see in smaller municipalities is they don't have the financial resources to address some of the problems and I'm talking about the properties where the property owner does not have the financial revenue to tear them down and so that financial burden lies with the city or the village," Carothers said.

State officials hope to fix the problem so the run-down properties don't bring-down the towns.

State and local governments already have codes and ordinances to to regulate how properties are built, kept and managed so they are safe, healthy and a good representation of the community.
However, many small towns lack the resources to enforce the ordinances.