|
Posted: 10:47 AM Jun 29, 2009
Federal Service Suggests Abandoning Flood-Prone WV Towns
BECKLEY, W.Va. (AP) After years of Dunloup Creek in Fayette County constantly flooding, officials think they've found a solution: abandon the region.
|
|
3 Comments
Font Size:
After years of Dunloup Creek in Fayette County constantly flooding, officials think they've found a solution: abandon the region.
The federal Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Dunloup Creek Watershed Association have devised a plan to offer voluntary buyouts to roughly 290 landowners in Kilsyth, Harvey, Red Star, Glen Jean and parts of Mount Hope.
If everyone accepts the offer, the cost could come to roughly $14 million. Landowners have until September 1 to decide.
The goal is to have the 100-year flood plain free of permanent structures, although it could be used for recreation.
Gary Redden, district conservationist for the service in Beckley, says this is the only project of such magnitude in the country.
Latest Comments
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: Kilsyth
on Mar 5, 2010 at 10:53 PM
The stipulation is that if you accept the buyout you cannot build/buy in the same area. A majority of these houses are at best worth approximately $30,000 and the government is offering a $30,000 relocation bonus. This is more money than some of my neighbors have probably seen in their lifetime. You have to understand, most of these people are on disability or retired and this gives them a means of getting out of harms way. Some of the elderly have indicate moving in with their children. This creek is behind my house and I've seen my yard flood after just a hard rain. I don't want to see what it would be like after 11 inches of rain that was experienced in 2001. Bungalows similar to the houses in these area in the surrounding area average $40,000 - $60,000. This buyout could improve our quality of life.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 2, 2009 at 02:43 PM
What about individuals who have been living in the locations all of their lives. Do you think the monies being offered are sufficient for a retiree to move to a alternative location or rebuild elsewhere... Put yourself in a similaar situation and La dee dah on that. What the cost of building adaquate 100 yr flood protections, would this be the approach taken if the areas were businesses??
Posted by: Jimmy
Location: Luray,VA
on Jun 29, 2009 at 02:37 PM
Let's not set this precedent. 100 year flood maps tell you what will eventually happen, yet you still build/buy a house in that location? As the great Carlos Mencia would say: "DEE DEE DEE"
More Stories
