St. Charles Times

Federal buyout money is set to aid homeowners affected by the 2019 flood in parts of northern St. Charles County, although financial constraints mean not everyone will benefit from this aid. The County has secured a $15.7 million federal grant, allowing for the potential purchase of up to 100 homes out of the over 900 properties flooded in St. Charles County, Portage Des Sioux, and West Alton.

"If you are interested in selling your home and moving out of the flood zone, complete the form included with the letter. There is a federal process the County must follow, and not everyone who is interested in selling can be bought out, because there is limited funding available. The completed form is the first step," advised Robert Myers, Division Director of Planning and Zoning for the County.

The initiative, known as the Local Voluntary Buyout Program (LVBOP), operates on a mutual-voluntary basis, requiring agreement from both the buyer (the County) and the seller. Should the County acquire the property, the home will be demolished, and the land repurposed as open space.

Properties eligible for buyouts include primary residences that were owner-occupied at the time of the flood event, as well as those with up to three residential tenant units within the same structure as the owner-occupant. However, properties that were second homes during the flood event or have since changed ownership are not eligible for the buyout program.

The County has collaborated with the Missouri Department of Economic Development to facilitate the buyout process and has commenced accepting applications for buyouts starting March 1.