Flood Buyouts

Five area communities have received approval for funding to move forward with voluntary buyout programs to obtain and remove homes in flood-prone areas. The nearly $6 million in combined projects was prompted by severe damage done to many area properties during flooding in March and April. A total of 136 properties in Poplar Bluff,and other areas will be sought in the buyouts. The Poplar Bluff City Council will vote today on authorizing Mayor Susan Williams to seek state funding for the city's flood buyout program. The city has sent out letters to the 23 homeowners whose property could be included in the voluntary buyout, according to Dennis Avery, Poplar Bluff flood plain manager and buyout administrator.