The Courier of Montgomery County reports Montgomery County residents whose homes have flooded repeatedly are being urged by county officials to participate in a federal buyout program.
Homes across the county are being targeted for the grant program.
River Plantation, which is south of downtown Conroe, is where many of the flood victims are located. A history of flooding has been reported in the area. The most recent flooding was in May of 2024 when residents had to flee their homes as a storm system inundated the area with several inches of rain.
According to Executive Director of the County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Jason Millsaps, late last month the county was told about the grant opportunity.
Millsaps said, “This is a great opportunity for us to get these homes bought out and returned to green space to help with future flood events but more importantly, to keep the public safe.” He said it helps first responders who are involved in rescuing flood victims safe, as well.
Properties that have flooded several times and have received the designation as Severe Repetitive Loss or Repetitive Loss properties may qualify for FEMA’s voluntary Flood Mitigation Assistance program of federal funding used to buy properties. Annually, FEMA updates the property list which is based on the National Flood Insurance Program’s database of claim information.
Homeowners interested in the program, according to Millsaps, will be included in the grant application for the county. The deadline for information submission to the county is May 22.
For several years the county has bought out homes using the federal funds.
Millsaps said they are in the “early stages,” and they do not know how many people will be able to participate in the program.
Specific requirements, according to Millsaps include a flood history report, a copy of the homeowner’s current National Flood Insurance program policy declarations page and four color photos of the exterior sides of the residence.
An informational meeting will be held on May 14th, 6 to 7:30 PM, at the Lone Star Convention Center at 9055 Airport Road.
