Polk County accepts bids to demolish three Hurricane Harvey buyout homes and restore properties as green space

Polk County commissioners approved contracts to demolish and restore three properties that are part of the Hurricane Harvey buyout program, awarding the lowest responsible bids and authorizing notices to proceed.

Grant administrator Grant Works said the buyout properties must remain as green space in perpetuity because the federal government participated in the acquisition; therefore no structures can be rebuilt on those lots. The court accepted bids for asbestos testing and demolition, with separate pricing for properties that test positive for asbestos (requiring abatement) and for properties without asbestos.

The court awarded R&L Global the contracts for 284 Spring Creek Drive (Goodrich) and 189 Holiday Drive (Goodrich) and James W Turner Construction the contract for 199 Beck Memorial (Livingston). The bids presented in the packet listed the higher asbestos-present pricing as $27,615 (284 Spring Creek), $39,905 (189 Holiday) and $17,075 (199 Beck Memorial). For properties testing negative (no abatement), the listed prices were $10,605 (284 Spring Creek), $17,005 (189 Holiday) and $16,475 (199 Beck Memorial). Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the awards by voice vote.

Why it matters: The buyout program removes repeatedly flooded structures from vulnerable floodplains and converts the lots to permanent open space, consistent with federal buyout conditions. Work includes asbestos testing and abatement if required, full structural demolition and removal of foundations and yard restoration to natural contour for drainage.

Next steps: Grant administrator and procurement staff will issue notices to proceed to the winning contractors and coordinate asbestos testing before demolition where required. The court did not record specific demolition start dates on the record.