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Woodford County OKs USDA buyout amendment, expanding voluntary flood buyouts and extending program to 2029
Summary
The fiscal court authorized the judge executive to sign an amendment to a USDA Hazard Mitigation/EWP buyout agreement that would add properties and increase the award from roughly $9.4 million to about $11.84 million; the board approved the application unanimously and expects voluntary acquisition, demolition and conversion to permanent green space.
Woodford County officials on Tuesday authorized an amendment to a U.S. Department of Agriculture buyout award that would expand the county’s voluntary flood buyout program and extend the timeline for project completion.
Emergency Management Director Drew Chandler told the fiscal court the USDA has “tentatively approved the addition of properties to our buyout project,” increasing the county’s original award from about $9,395,452 to $11,841,767 — roughly a $2.44 million increase — and expanding the project from 33 to 42 properties. The amendment, Chandler said, also extends the county’s period of performance to October 2029.
Chandler said the extra funding covers acquisition, demolition and remediation work; he warned that some property owners may decline voluntary buyouts and that not all of the additional money will necessarily be spent. “This is just what’s available for the acquisition, the demolition, all the work that is going on now to get to the point of the fiscal court being able to make offers,” Chandler said.
Judge Executive James K and staff said they expect to enter executive sessions soon for property appraisals and acquisition negotiations. Chandler asked the court to authorize him and the judge to sign any documents needed to modify the grant agreement; magistrate Gentry moved to approve the amendment, seconded by Varner, and the motion carried unanimously.
Chandler said the county will only acquire properties on a voluntary basis; any property purchased under the program will be maintained as passive green space in perpetuity under the grant rules. “It will not be sold,” a member of the court said during debate, adding the land is intended to reduce risk and relieve emergency-response burdens in repeatedly flooded areas.
Next steps include finalizing the grant amendment paperwork, receiving the formal contract, and completing appraisals and offers to willing property owners. County officials said they will return to executive session as acquisitions proceed.
