Va. officials tackle defective drywall

HAMPTON ROADS, Va (WAVY) - Another level of government is getting involved with defective Chinese drywall concerns in Virginia.

Tuesday morning Virginia's Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng toured homes built with the drywall in Newport News. It was a first step from Gov. Bob McDonnell's administration in addressing issues surrounding the drywall.

Charles Anderson explained health and financial considerations are a priority for his family. He said he and his wife were forced to moved from their home in Hollymeade because of a persistent cough and a smell in their house that resembled rotten eggs.

 

"We're basically splitting between here and another residence, so it's not the best situation," Anderson said. "On the state level they're looking to see whatever remediation can be done as far as getting federal aid and what not."

 

Newport News Del. Glenn Oder arranged the visit. He's introduced a few bills that might help homeowners with insurance, but there is skepticism they will not become law.

 

Virginia Beach homeowner Colleen Stephens the administration's interest is greatly appreciated; however, she can't allow herself to get too excited after a year of let downs.

 

Stephens said, "After what we've been through with the federal government and their offering of community development block grants, FHA loans being put on hold, Small Business Administration loans, and the IRS possible casualty loss help and none of that working - everything having some kind of caveat that doesn't assist any of these homeowners - we're worried this is just going to be another step that doesn't move forward."

Stephens and dozens of other Hampton Roads homeowners impacted by defective drywall have spent the last year looking to their locally elected leaders, looking to Congressional leaders in Washington, and just last month to members of the Virginia General Assembly for help.

"This is more than a full time job for me," Stephens said.

It's a job with no pay day. Some homeowners have walked away from houses that contain the defective drywall. However, determination keeps some battling to find answers about their health, and the elements to restoring their homes.

"We're looking more for a grant versus a loan, protection for anybody who has Chinese drywall so they won't be dropped from their insurance and make sure something like this doesn't happen in the future," Anderson said.

Stephens said, "We're not giving up. We will fight this to the end, until justice is found for us."

She also suggested the federal government use stimulus funds to cover the costs of repairing or replacing impacted homes. "Use [stimulus funds] for this. This will help stimulate the economy. This will put the builders back in business. This will, if we don't get our products from China, it will help stimulate because we'll be getting the products here."

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates more than 3,000 homes across the nation contain the defective drywall. More than 10 percent of them are believed to be in Virginia.

A federal case is moving forward in New Orleans, La. against the Chinese manufacturer of the defective drywall. Seven Virginia families will testify on behalf of hundreds of families across the nation. Sources tell WAVY.com testimony in the federal case is expected to begin in another two weeks.

Colleen Stephens urges homeowners who believe they have defective Chinese drywall in their home, to send an email to Chinesedrywall_1@yahoo.com for information about local efforts to find solutions.