THE FLOODS RETURN

The Mississippi River is mighty, muddy and unpredictable.

Floodwaters are rising so fast this week, it is almost like a flash flood on the river. The Mississippi was forecast to rise nearly 12 feet in just 72 hours, cresting at 41.5 feet at Cape Girardeau today.

The timing couldn't be more perfect for those considering buyout offers in Cape Girardeau and Commerce. The rising waters serve as a vivid reminder of why gambling on the weather is a risky proposition. There have been two major floods in the last three years, and now it is time for many of these families to move to higher ground again.

Commerce routinely faces floodwaters since the town doesn't have a levee or floodwall. The Scott County town agreed to its first federal buyout offer in last November. The federal government offered $1.8 million, and the state kicked in $680,530 to buy out 79 flood-prone homes in Commerce. About 45 property owners took the government up on its offer. Eleven property owners are still considering an offer. The remainder of the property owners turned down the government's offer. The recent floodwaters may tip the scale for additional buyouts. And well they should.

Buyouts, while expensive, will save taxpayers in the long run. Many of the eligible properties have been flooded again and again. That means taxpayers have paid for repairs and improvements time after time. Buyouts stop the cycle once and for all. No doubt it is hard for these people to leave their homes, but surely it is better than dealing with the river's wrath nearly every year.

The same is true in Cape Girardeau. The city received $742,000 to purchase homes in Red Star and Smelterville areas. It appears offers will be accepted on about 28 of the 50 eligible properties. Leftover grant funding due to buyout rejections is returned to the government.

Only homes in the floodplain were eligible for the buyout. Once an offer has been accepted, the land becomes city property. The buildings will be demolished, and no other permanent structures can be built on the property.

Homeowners moving out in Cape Girardeau and Commerce this week may want to reconsider their rejection of flood buyouts, if it isn't too late. Taxpayers are tired of paying for the same flood repairs year after year.