Buy-out program announced for residents in flood-prone areas of McLean County | Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WEVV) — Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Team Kentucky is sending over $118.2 million to six counties to buy out properties from willing and voluntary Kentuckians in flood-prone areas.

Officials estimate these funds will benefit over 600 homeowners, helping them relocate to safer residences out of the floodplain.

One of the counties where funding has been allocated is in the Tri-State, McLean County.

The funding is in response to floods earlier this year, which impacted all six counties. 

 “Nobody should have to stay in a flood-prone area simply because it’s too expensive to move,” said Gov. Beshear. “These buyouts will put money in the pockets of Kentuckians, keep our people safe and help our counties save money in the process. When our people go through tough times, we’ll be there to show them love and support them as they build back.”

Of the $118.2 million, $106.7 million is federal funding. The federal money comes from the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, which is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The EWP Program requires a nonfederal cost-share requirement to leverage federal funds, which typically falls on the local government. Gov. Beshear says Team Kentucky is covering this cost-share requirement for these six counties through the Local Match Participation Program (LMPP): $11.4 million in state LMPP dollars are matching the federal funds.

In total, just over $2.3 million is being made available for McLean County.

“Earlier this year, McLean County was hit by the worst flooding many of us have seen in our lifetimes,” said McLean County Judge/Executive Curtis Dame. “As we continue to rebuild, these buyouts, if accepted by affected citizens, will help our people get a fair price for their property. This program is helping people who have been through a life-altering event, showing that smart governance can be a force for good. Our resolve is strong and made more vibrant by our desire to leave no citizen, family or friend behind.”

You can see a full funding breakdown for each county below, or the full announcement from Gov. Beshear here.