Pike County approves $73.65 million home buyout amendment to move flood-prone residents out of harm’s way

Judge Jones moved and the Pike County Fiscal Court voted to approve an amendment to the Emergency Watershed Protection/Floodplain Easement (EWP/FPE) home buyout agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that adds $36,000,000 in federal funds and a $3,000,786 local match.

The amendment increases county buyout resources to a total of $73,654,068, funding purchases of repeatedly flooded properties to move families out of high-risk flood plains. “This will bring us up to $73,654,068 for home buyouts to get people relocated out of the flood plain,” Judge Jones said, thanking county staff and specifically “Jeanne” for her work on the program. He added, “People of Pike County owe you a debt of gratitude.”

The judge framed the funding as urgent after recent storms and emergency operations work: he said county officials feared substantially higher fatalities during the most recent event and argued buyouts are the primary way to protect residents from rapidly rising floodwaters. The court discussed public concern about property loss and acknowledged social media worries that buyouts amount to government seizure; Judge Jones countered those concerns by noting the program addresses repetitive flood damage and displacement.

The court moved, seconded and approved the amendment by roll call. The meeting also approved a separate resolution authorizing Pike County’s application for state Department for Local Government (DLG) grant funds and the 10% local match required to secure the NRCS award (see related action). The judge said the local match would be applied through the DLG process.

Next steps: county staff will complete required documents with NRCS and DLG and proceed with buyout implementation; the county did not specify a timetable for individual acquisitions at the meeting.