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University City says flood buyouts underway but title and appraisal work slowing payments
Summary
City officials reported FEMA/SEMA buyout offers for about 10 houses and one apartment complex are in process but are moving slower than expected as consultants resolve utility easements and title questions; the mayor said the city is pursuing an earmark to purchase a neighboring Overland dog park and create an Army Corps detention basin to reduce flows into University City.
City officials said the federally supported flood buyout program for affected properties is moving forward but faces technical delays.
Interim City Manager Brooke Sharp said CEMA is working on offers for properties in the buyout area while consultants are locating utility easements and resolving title-search issues that must be cleared before appraisals and payments can proceed. "The process is underway, though it is moving a little bit slower than we would like," she said.
Mayor Terry Crow said the city has secured some FEMA and SEMA support for buyouts that currently cover about 10 houses and one apartment complex, but that the funding and titles have required additional work. He said the city is seeking an earmark, working with Congressman Wesley Bell, to acquire a dog park in neighboring Overland and have the Army Corps of Engineers construct a detention basin to divert floodwaters away from University City.
Officials did not provide a timetable for final offers or a total dollar amount for buyouts and said consultative tasks remain before transactions can close.
