§ 4–903

many residents of the State live in dwellings that do not conform to building, health, safety, fire, occupancy, or other codes and standards applicable to housing;

many communities or political subdivisions in the State do not have a minimum livability code; and

these conditions impede the development and maintenance of healthy, safe, and viable communities;

owner–occupants of housing in need of rehabilitation often have low incomes; and

nonoccupant owners often incur high risks in owning and managing the housing;

increases the economic life of the housing;

is often more economical and less disruptive than replacing the housing and relocating its occupants;

can better promote community development when it is done through organized housing rehabilitation programs;

is essential for sound community development; and

can be helped by rehabilitating commercial buildings serving communities where housing rehabilitation is desirable;

rehabilitate housing;

develop healthful, safe, and viable communities;

rehabilitate commercial buildings to help rehabilitate and develop housing; and

provide healthful and safe housing for migratory workers to maintain and expand the agricultural activities that are dependent on the labor of these workers; and

improve, modify, and add to housing to increase the supply of special housing for special populations, such as elderly households, individuals with disabilities, and other disadvantaged residents of the State;

prevent lead poisoning by modifying older housing to provide a lead–safe environment, as lead paint in older housing is a major source of lead poisoning in children;

provide adequate indoor plumbing, water supply, and sewage disposal systems for dwellings; and

reduce or eliminate radon and asbestos, which are major detriments to the health and safety of residents, on a pilot program basis.