North Dakota Town Approves Flood-Related Home Buyout Program

The city council in Minot, N.D., has approved a plan that could result in the acquisition of more than 270 properties for future flood protection measures.

The voluntary program calls for negotiations to begin with willing landowners, with a goal of acquiring at least 272 homes. City Finance Director Cindy Hemphill is suggesting a citywide special assessment to pay the city’s share of the cost, which could be as much as $10.7 million. State funds also will be used.

The total cost of acquiring the first 224 homes is $42.6 million. Officials hope to buy out another 48 homes through a separate federal program.

Souris River flooding last spring damaged more than 4,000 homes and businesses in Minot. Officials are now working on plans to prevent that from happening again.