Franklin County is offering buyouts for people who had their homes damaged during April’s floods.
They’re being offered through the USDA’s Emergency Watershed Protection program. The county says around 500 homes were damaged by floodwaters. Residential homes that had damage starting from the first floor or crawlspace are eligible to apply.
Judge Executive Michael Mueller says each home would be appraised based on its pre-disaster value.
“They would all be appraised pretending like it's the day before the disaster and what that home was valued at, and that's how everything would be based,” Mueller said.
A flat rate of $31,000 to help residents relocate is also being offered. Mueller says the applications are first come, first serve, and is asking those interested to apply before August.
Mueller says victims who are unsure should apply, just in case.
“It's voluntary. If the appraisal comes back that people don't agree with, and they say, ‘We’re out,’ no harm, no foul,” he said.
Those interested in the program can email ERAssist, the company handling the application process, at buyout@erassist.com, or call them at 606-268-4228. Application status reports are available at erassist.com/buyout.
