Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Flood Mitigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Montgomery County approves $500,000 emergency mitigation fund for flood-damaged homes
Summary
The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 25-4-10 to appropriate funds to mitigate flood damage to residential properties; commissioners described the measure as an initial "stop the bleeding" step and said county contractors and nonprofits will assist.
The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners on April 14 approved Resolution 25-4-10, appropriating funds to mitigate damage to private property caused by recent flooding in the county.
Commissioners said the appropriation is intended to clear debris, remove standing moisture and treat properties so houses can be safely entered and prepared for reconstruction. "This is kind of a stop the bleeding measure and I think it's really important that the County do this," Commissioner Fry said during debate.
Why it matters: Commissioners described the appropriation as an initial intervention to limit further structural and mold damage to affected homes. County leaders said the work will make properties safe for entry and help homeowners begin recovery more quickly, while nonprofits and other relief programs address short-term displacement.
Details and debate: The amount discussed on the floor was a half-million dollars; Commissioner Walker asked, "is a half a million dollars going to be enough, we're going to have to come back and readdress this." Commissioner Fry said the funding is intended to "help them get over the hump to mitigate the homes, to get the moisture out, to get them treated so that they are safe for entry and safe for reconstruction." He also said the county is coordinating with local property-abatement companies, a firm identified as Yapex and disposal companies to carry out work.
Commissioners noted displaced renters and other individuals would be assisted by area nonprofits while the county's program is focused on owner-occupied residential properties. Commissioner Schulz asked whether an apartment complex on Dunlop Street with displaced residents would be covered; the reply was that displacement assistance is being handled by nonprofit partners and the county program is concentrating on homeowners.
Action and next steps: The board first suspended rules to take up the item and then approved the resolution by voice vote recorded by the clerk as "21 yeses, 0 noes, 0 abstentions." Commissioners characterized the appropriation as an initial allocation; staff were directed to coordinate contractors and disposal partners so work can begin.
Ending: County officials said additional funding or follow-up programs may be necessary depending on assessments of remaining damage and homeowner needs.
