FLOOD BUYOUTS MAKE SENSE

Flood buyouts in Cape Girardeau and Commerce have been approved by the federal government. Officials predict some property owners may have checks in hand as early as January, with some demolition under way in February. Commerce will receive $1.75 million in buyout funds. Cape Girardeau will get $742,000.

Cape Girardeau officials are hoping to have flood-prone homes appraised, bought and demolished by April. Those homes most damaged by the floods of 1993 and 1995 will be bought and demolished first.

This buyout represents a cost-effective way for local communities as well as state and federal governments to deal with such disaster costs. Already, government and private insurance has paid for these properties to be repaired after several floodings. These buyouts -- while expensive -- will end the cycle of repaying the same flood repairs year after year. Ultimately, it will save taxpayer dollars.