Eligible homeowners in northeastern Connecticut struggling with crumbling foundations can now begin applying to receive reimbursements for the testing of their homes.

The state has allocated $5 million in financial assistance for homeowners to test foundations, which will better allow the state to understand the scope of the situation while providing homeowners with financial relief.

“The launch of this testing program marks a significant step forward in addressing the needs and concerns of homeowners affected by crumbling foundations,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement. “From day one, we recognized the need to develop a better understanding of the scope of this issue while working with our partners in the public and private sector to provide property owners with some much-needed stability and support. I look forward to continuing our progress in providing relief for those affected by this natural disaster.”

Under the program, homeowners are eligible for a 50 percent reimbursement – up to $2,000 – for the testing of two core samples within their homes. Homeowners who have visual testing conducted by a licensed professional engineer are eligible for a 100 percent reimbursement – up to $400. The homes must have been built after 1983 and be located within a 20-mile radius of the J.J. Mottes Concrete Co. in Stafford Springs. The program, which is being funded by state bonding, will run until Dec. 31, 2020 or until the funding has been expended, whichever is earlier.

A number of homes in the region have suffered damage due to what appears to be the result of a natural disaster – specifically the reaction of a naturally occurring mineral, pyrrhotite, to oxygen and water. Pyrrhotite is an iron sulfide mineral, and its exposure to oxygen and water leads to a chemical reaction that results in deterioration of home foundations. The presence of pyrrhotite indicates the potential for concrete deterioration, but its existence alone does not necessarily cause it. For homes with existing deterioration, the existence of pyrrhotite can – in some circumstances – be determined by visual inspection alone, chiefly because this kind of deterioration forms a unique cracking pattern.

The eligibility requirements outlined by the Connecticut Department of Housing for the program are as follows:

• The year the home was built must be on or after 1983.
• If the home was built before 1983, but there is an addition that was built after 1983, the addition is eligible for the program. The homeowner must supply proof that the addition was built after 1983 (building permit, CO or other similar documentation).
• The home must be within a 20-mile radius of J.J. Mottes Concrete Co. in Stafford Springs.