Montgomery County looking to buy flooded homes from owners

MONTGOMERY COUNTY (KTRK) -- For the first time in Montgomery County, buyouts could be offered to those hit hardest by floods. County commissioners approved a plan to apply for FEMA grants which cover 100 percent of the cost.

Leaders stressed the program would be optional.

Eyewitness News caught up with Commissioner James Noack of Montgomery County's Precinct 3. He says the floods in April prompted them to take action.

"To qualify for this program, you need to have been flooded 4 or more times," said Commissioner Noack. "You get to the point of no return where it is cost effective for the government to just buy these homes out."

Deputy Director of Emergency Management said they sent out 150 packets to those property owners who qualified. Fifty owners responded and indicated they would be willing to sell their homes. The next step is to apply for the FEMA grant on behalf of those residents.

"We may hear something in six to nine months," said Hess. "It's a rather long process. It's about a year or a year and a half away."

To read more about the plan, head over to the Courier of Montgomery County's article.