More Lexington homeowners could soon get buyouts on flood-damaged homes

Lexington County wants to buy out more homes damaged by the 2015 flood. So it is requesting a change to the disaster recovery plan it received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Right now, at least 70 percent of HUD funds must be used to help homeowners in low- to moderate-income areas. However, many homeowners requesting buyouts don’t qualify, county spokesman Harrison Cahill said. So the county is requesting that percentage be dropped to 50 percent, so more homeowners can receive buyouts.

So far, 88 homeowners have applied for home buyouts, but many did not qualify for HUD funds because of low- to moderate-income requirements. Thirty-seven of the 88 have been bought out.

The change, if approved, would reallocate $2.2 million from home rehabilitation to home buyouts and set a Sept. 28 deadline for homeowners to apply for funds.

Lexington County was greatly damaged during the 2015 flooding. Four major dams broke, causing a destructive ripple effect.

After the flood, the federal government allowed Lexington County $21.3 million to reimburse homeowners for flood-recovery expenses. The county has spent $4.9 million on home buyouts and rehabilitation, according to a news release from the county.

The county will open a 15-day public comment period before it sends the proposal to HUD. County residents who wish to comment on the proposed amendment or apply for HUD funds may email rebound@lex-co.com or call 803-785-8121.

This story was originally published September 4, 2018 at 7:59 AM.