COMMERCE RESIDENTS LEARN MORE OF BUYOUT

COMMERCE -- Residents here have some mixed feelings about how to proceed with a flood buyout option.

Earlier this month, the federal government approved Commerce and Cape Girardeau for the program.

"It's sad to think of leaving, but I have no other choice," said Alma Pollock, 85. Pollack's home is one of the 72 properties eligible for the buyout option.

She joined 75 Commerce residents Tuesday night to learn more about their buyout options.

Commerce will receive $1.75 million for the voluntary program. The money will be used for the demolition and acquisition of property and homes located in the flood plain, said Buck Catt, who manages the buyout program for the State Emergency Management Association.

"I keep telling everybody that until the homeowner gets a check we have not done anything but drive around and talk," he said, adding that there is no solid deadline for the process.

Once buyout applications have been approved, homeowners have two weeks to accept the offer. Some residents could receive a check by Christmas, he said. But most of the work will be completed by mid-January.

Commerce Mayor Roy Jones is optimistic about how many residents will accept the offer. Almost half those eligible applied Tuesday.

"It all depends on what they will get out of the homes," he said. "It's an opportunity to get out of the water and that is the only thing I can do -- give them the opportunity."

To help with the application filings, SEMA will operate an office inside the church. For more information, call Laurel Moldenhauer, grant administrator, at 264-1141.