Louisville Metro’s budget, which will go to a final vote in a week, will not include money for a proposed flood buyout program.
A city workgroup earlier this month recommended a $3 million plan for a short-term buyout program for homes that have sustained repetitive flood damage. The workgroup also recommended the the buyout be paid for by Louisville Metro, MSD and federal money.
But that’s not happening now.
Chris Poynter, a spokesman for Mayor Greg Fischer, said the city budget will not include money for a short-term program that would buyout as many as 30 homes over a few months.
“You know, really MSD is the agency that deals with flooding and drainage issues, so they are the appropriate agency to figure out how to do limited buyouts and move forward as a community,” Poynter said.
This means Louisville MSD will primarily fund the program, along with possible federal funds.
MSD’s board meets on Monday.
An MSD spokesman couldn't be reached for comment Thursday afternoon.
MSD Director Greg Heitzman had urged weeks ago that as many agencies as possible chip-in.
“The more we can get to spread this burden across multiple community partners, including FEMA and insurance proceeds, the more homes we can buyout,” he said earlier this month.
The total program aims to purchase about 30 homes that have sustained repeated flood damage. The proposal is for grants of as much as $100,000 a home.