FLOOD BUYOUTS PAY OFF

Government buyouts after the flood of 1993 apparently saved taxpayer dollars in 1995. A report by the Missouri Emergency Management Agency shows that 1995 spring floods costs only about 5 percent of the hefty flooding bill two years before.

The same area flooded both years, although the flooding wasn't nearly as extensive last year. But since the government bought out about 4,000 residential properties in 1993, the people simply weren't there 1995 to file claims.

State and federal spending on buyouts, assistance to flooded families and other costs totaled $390 million in 1993. That same figure was $23.3 million in 1993.

Flood buyouts aren't cheap, but in the long run they may prove cost effective for taxpayers.