HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- A federal prosecutor says a demolition project in Huntington is a significant victory for the city in fighting crime.

About 50 dilapidated homes are being demolished in a joint project to revitalize the area. Crews from the West Virginia National Guard and the state Division of Highways brought in heavy equipment this week in the Fairfield neighborhood to begin the monthlong process.

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin says the houses were a magnet for crime, and the project sends the message that drug dealers and thieves are not welcome in Huntington.