FLOOD GRANT GIVEN

Cape Girardeau residents whose homes were damaged by this summer's flooding can have the structures demolished at no cost through a grant program approved Tuesday by the state.

Steve Williams, the city's housing assistance coordinator, said the Missouri Department of Economic Development will provide $105,000 to raze up to 30 flood-damaged buildings.

The program is aimed at property owners who are weary of their recurrent battle with the Mississippi River and prefer to walk away from their damaged homes.

"This is a program for those people with flood insurance and those without flood insurance," said Williams. "This is an opportunity for someone with a substandard house before the flood to have it torn down at no cost and move out of the flood plain."

Ken Eftink, the city's development services coordinator, said 132 buildings were damaged by this summer's flooding.

He said most of the affected homes received only minor structural damage, which can be repaired at a reasonable cost.

The grant program is aimed at helping cash-strapped flood victims remove buildings that pose a health threat in the community.

"It's designed for those people forced out of their homes by the flood," he said. "We'll tear it down, remove the debris, and level and seed the lot.

"At that point, it is still their lot. This is not a buyout."

Eftink said property owners can rebuild on the lot, provided they comply with the regulations of the national flood insurance program, or they can sell the property.

"The bottom line is, it allows persons affected the flood to take their money and purchase property outside of the flood area," he said.

Williams said the city will have to go through the flood-affected areas and assess vacant buildings. Many of the properties that qualify for the demolition grant are likely to be condemned, with the costs assessed against the property owner.

"This is an opportunity to have the structure removed at no cost," he said.

The city will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 to discuss the program with residents who might qualify for the assistance.

Eftink and Williams said that one of the primary differences between the grant program and a buy out is that the property can be developed again, which is forbidden with buyout land.

Also, others in flood-affected areas will benefit from the program even if they choose to repair their home, Williams said.

He said various flood-relief programs have enabled many home owners to repair their property and move back in. By removing vacant homes that are beyond repair, residents who remain in the area will see property values rise, Williams added.

"A vacant house is just a detriment to the neighborhood," said Eftink. "This program is the most economical way for the city to remove those structures."

This summer's record flood affected about 300 people living in South Cape Girardeau, the Red Star district, and along Meadowbrook Lane and Route 177.

Williams said the demolition grant is only a small part of an ongoing effort to those folks rebuild their lives after the flood. "The solution is not short term, it's going to be long term," he said.