McLean County is set to receive over $2.3 million to help residents relocate out of flood-prone areas, part of a statewide flood buyout initiative announced Wednesday by Gov. Andy Beshear. The funds will support voluntary buyouts for homeowners impacted by devastating flooding earlier this year, which local officials say was among the worst in the county’s history.
McLean County’s share includes $1,812,773 in federal support from the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program and $559,498 from the state’s Local Match Participation Program (LMPP), covering the local cost share required to unlock federal aid.
McLean County Judge-Executive Curtis Dame said the effort began months ago, shortly after the disaster.
“My office began working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on April 24 to pursue Emergency Watershed Protection funding in response to the severe flood impacts across McLean County,” Dame said. “By the week of May 14, we had officially submitted our letter to the NRCS State Office requesting assistance. Today’s grant announcement is the direct result of those early and coordinated efforts.”
Dame said at least 20 homes were impacted by the flooding, with the potential for more as assessments continue.
“Earlier this year, McLean County was hit by the worst flooding many of us have seen in our lifetimes,” he said. “As we continue to rebuild, these buyouts, if accepted by affected citizens, will help our people get a fair price for their property. This program is helping people who have been through a life-altering event, showing that smart governance can be a force for good. Our resolve is strong and made more vibrant by our desire to leave no citizen, family, or friend behind.”
The buyout program will pay willing homeowners the fair market value of their properties and cover eligible relocation costs, allowing families to move to safer areas outside flood zones.
McLean County is one of six counties receiving buyout funding, but local leaders say the impact here will be significant for families who have faced repeated flooding, financial strain, and uncertainty.
“No one should have to stay in danger because it’s too expensive to leave,” Gov. Beshear said in announcing the funds. “These buyouts will put money in the pockets of Kentuckians, keep our people safe, and help our counties save money in the process.”
Th EWP Program is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It requires a nonfederal cost-share requirement to leverage federal funds. This cost-share requirement typically falls on the local government.
The LMPP is administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government. The program uses state bond funds as a system of grants used to assist local governments to meet cost-share match requirements for flood-related projects, flood control planning, and flood mitigation activities associated with projects funded by a federal agency or federally sponsored funding.
“This funding reflects not only the resilience and determination of our community, but also the strong partnership among local, state, and federal leaders who continue to stand ready to help our citizens and McLean County recover and rebuild,” Dame said.
