PHOTO: A vehicle drives down a flooded roadway in Victoria in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey. Because of the severe threat of flooding near the Guadalupe River, the City is participating in a federally funded buyout program to purchase and demolish homes in the floodway/floodplain.
The City is currently accepting applications for a federally funded home buyout program that will help residents move out of the Guadalupe River floodway/floodplain beginning in spring or summer 2021.
“Often, residents who live in flood-prone areas would like to leave, but they have no place to go,” said City of Victoria grants administrator Katy Connally. “This program will help to protect not only residents’ property but also their lives in the event of another major flood.”
The City applied for the flood mitigation program in 2019 and was awarded more than $2.4 million to purchase and demolish homes in the floodway/floodplain and help residents to relocate. The City has contracted with GrantWorks to administer the program.
In addition to being paid for their homes, residents may be eligible for assistance with relocation costs, such as a down payment on a home, rental assistance or help with moving expenses. This additional aid may be worth up to $35,000 depending on the type of aid.
Tyler Smith, associate vice president of Buyout & Acquisition with GrantWorks, said his office has completed initial interviews with about 40 residents, and about a dozen of these have received preliminary approval from GrantWorks. Smith encouraged residents to complete the application process to find out what types of aid they are eligible to receive.
To apply for the program, contact Smith at 512-817-4437 or tyler@grantworks.net. Residents who reach out will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program before submitting an application, which can be completed over the phone or by mail.
To view a copy of the application form, visit www.victoriatx.gov/buyout-application. To view a list of required documentation, visit www.victoriatx.gov/buyout-checklist. Residents are encouraged to reach out to Smith before filling out the application.