State to assist Southeast Kansas communities

Governor Kathleen Sebelius today authorized the state to pay 10-percent of the costs to buy out property owners whose homes and other properties located in the Special Flood Hazard Area (100 year flood zone) were substantially damaged or destroyed in June and July flooding in 23 Kansas counties. The 10-percent share will come from the state mitigation fund authorized by the legislature in the spring of 2007.

The federal government will fund 75-percent of the buy out and the local communities will be responsible for 15-percent. However, cities may apply for Community Development Block Grants to assist with 10 percent of their costs, therefore, reducing their share to only five percent.

“We have seen so many people’s property affected by record setting floods this year in Kansas, and we want to do everything possible to help them recover,” said Governor Kathleen Sebelius. “These funds will reduce the burden on the local governments which in many cases are struggling to get back on their feet financially following the storms.”

“The devastation from the flooding has made it challenging for many of the small communities and providing this funding along with block grants will mean more of the local funds are available for other local needs,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas Adjutant General and Emergency Management Director.

The legislature approved the state mitigation fund following the winter snow and ice storm which was the most expensive storm ever in the state. State officials estimate the state’s share of the buy out to be between $2 million to $2.5 million.

“Many cash-strapped communities have been reluctant to participate in the federal buyout option for flood-damaged homes because they cannot afford to pay the local matching funds,” said Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, R-Independence. “This new state commitment combined with federal money means that 95 percent of the cost of acquiring from willing sellers those homes in the 100-year flood plain that are substantially damaged will be borne by the state and local governments and not by local property taxpayers. That should make the buyout option much more attractive.”

“Leaders throughout southeast Kansas have expressed concern that their communities would be unable to afford the high costs of a buy-out program,” said Rep. Jerry Williams, D-Chanute. “This partnership will allow homeowners to receive a buy-out of damaged property while reducing the financial burden on local governments.”

The 23 counties affected by flooding in June and July and eligible for buy out assistance are Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Butler, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Coffey, Cowley, Crawford, Edwards, Elk, Franklin, Greenwood, Harper, Labette, Linn, Miami, Montgomery, Neosho, Osage, Pawnee, Wilson, and Woodson.

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