CAPE GETS STATE NOD FOR BUYOUT

Cape Girardeau and Commerce are two of three cities Missouri has approved for a government buyout of properties repeatedly affected by flooding.

The state recommendations -- announced Monday by Gov. Mel Carnahan -- are subject to federal approval.

Ken Eftink, Cape Girardeau's development services coordinator, said federal approval might only be a formality.

"It is my understanding that typically the feds approve what the state recommends," Eftink said.

About $2.6 million will be available for the residential buyouts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will pick up 75 percent of the tab with the state contributing the other 25 percent.

That translates to about $1.6 million in federal funds and $1 in state money, which will come from general revenue.

Commerce, which suffered massive Mississippi River flood damage this spring, will receive $1,756,767 under the proposal -- the lion's share of the buyout funds. Mayor Roy Jones is pleased with the state's decision.

"This is going to give the people of this town an opportunity to get out of the flood waters if they want to," Jones said.

If the buyout if approved, owners of 72 houses and vacant lots in Commerce will have the option to accept the plan. Those tracts represent about 80 percent of the properties in the Scott County town.

Unlike Commerce, Cape Girardeau didn't get all it had asked for.

The state recommended $742,000 in buyout funds for the city, less than half of the $1.64 million officials requested.

But city officials aren't disappointed.

"I would say we are very pleased to get this funding to get as many people as we can out of the flood area," Eftink said.

Mayor Al Spradling III agreed.

"Obviously this is good news," Spradling said. "I hope the federal government approves it. There is a tremendous need to get rid of flood-prone property, and this is a step in the right direction."

Eftink said the money would pay for the purchase and demolition of 11 homes in the Smelterville area and 38 homes in the Red Star neighborhood. Had the full funding request been granted, 15 homes in the Meadowbrook area and two along Highway 177 would have been included.

The only city outside of Southeast Missouri approved for funds by the state is Portage Des Sioux in St. Charles County. That area stands to receive $77,000.

Sixteen communities throughout the state submitted buyout project applications that totalled $12.3 million.