About 50 repeatedly flooded Texas homes could be demolished and replaced with green space

Green space could replace about 50 repeatedly flooded homes in Montgomery County, Texas. A voluntary buyout would involve purchasing and demolishing the homes while helping residents relocate.

Here's what to know

To pursue Federal Emergency Management Agency funding, the county will seek help with the application from a consultant. Commissioners approved the hire Nov. 5, according to Community Impact.

Hagerty Consulting will receive $59,000 from the county, an expense that could be reimbursed through the grant, according to Jason Millsaps, Montgomery County's homeland security and emergency management executive director, as reported by Community Impact.

FEMA's flood mitigation assistance grant program is expected to offer over $600 million nationwide, according to the Texas Water Development Board. Millsaps said the county would apply through the board, which has a February deadline to submit applications to FEMA.

More background

Repeated flood-damage claims are the basis for FEMA's "severe repetitive loss" designation. In Montgomery County, recurring flooding makes about 250 properties eligible, Millsaps said, according to Community Impact.

"Predominantly, these are going to be located in Precincts 3 and 4, which is based on the historical nature of our flooding," Millsaps said.

Land acquired through a buyout will become green space rather than remain in residential use, with the purchased home demolished. Previous county buyouts have covered 148 properties with a history of repeat flooding, Millsaps said, as reported by Community Impact.

What's being done?

Participation would be voluntary, and Millsaps said his office plans to ask homeowners at eligible properties whether they are interested.

Grant assistance could help some residents cover moving costs and a down payment, with eligibility depending on income, Millsaps said.

"It's a really great program," Millsaps said, "not only to get them out of the mess that they're in, but we get them in a home that's way better and a much nicer place with very little expense to them."

Where can I learn more?

Other Texas communities are grappling with recurring flooding and how to pay for protection.

• San Antonio homeowners face repeated flooding at four homes while a drainage fix remains unfunded.

• In Socorro, Texas, neighbors raise arroyo walls as officials pass responsibility for flooding.

• Houston retained federal Harvey flood money for another year as bond projects fell behind.

• In Brownsville, Texas, officials are considering a new drainage fee to fund flood control.

• Conroe faces $210 million in drainage needs as council delays a proposed monthly fee.

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