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County briefed on HMGP buyouts: 278 Buncombe properties in acquisition pipeline, demolition and deed‑restriction plan outlined
Summary
County staff told commissioners that Buncombe County has 278 properties in the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program acquisition pipeline, with group 3 containing about 142 parcels (~$69M). Appraisals will use pre-disaster fair-market value and demolished parcels will be deed‑restricted as green space; closings for earlier groups begin next week.
County staff updated commissioners on the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) buyout effort tied to Tropical Storm Helene. Kevin Madsen of the Helene Recovery Office said the voluntary program is 75% FEMA-funded and 25% state-funded, with no local match required.
"It is 75% funded by FEMA, 25% by the state, and there's no local expense associated with it," Madsen said, describing the program's financing and voluntary enrollment.
Madsen reported that groups 1 and 2 are in motion and that group 3 currently includes 142 properties (roughly $69,000,000) with 15 additional properties expected to be added soon; across Buncombe County there are 278 properties in the acquisition program. He said appraisals are based on fair-market value as of the pre-disaster valuation date (the staff example date given was 09/01/2024), not on tax value or post-disaster value.
Staff described the post-closing process: DH Griffin is the selected contractor for early groups and will have 90 days post‑closing to demolish structures, remove hard surfaces and cap utilities; deeds on acquired parcels will include deed restrictions requiring use as green space. Madsen said a kickoff meeting for group 3 is likely in late summer or early fall and that some group 1 and 2 owners are scheduled to close next week.
Commissioners asked practical questions about owner withdrawals, rehab cases, tenant relocation and tax handling for owners awaiting closing. Madsen said one owner sold privately and another opted to rehab; tenant relocation support exists for rental properties, and taxes are being covered through HMGP funding up to each property’s closing date.
Staff framed the county’s next steps as coordinating long-term management, exploring contiguous greenway or park opportunities for clusters of acquired parcels, and continuing collaboration with state and federal partners on elevations and other HMGP elements. Madsen said staff will return with any required requests for court action to accept properties and for closing authorities at the evening meeting.
