The Federal Emergency Management Agency has agreed to buy out 81 homeowners in Davidson County after May’s historic flooding. The homes are grouped together along West Nashville’s Delray Drive and West Hamilton Road north of downtown.
FEMA will cover 75% of the cost of those homes – more than $7 million. The rest will be split between the state and local government.
Now that funding is in place, Metro Water Services will begin closing on the 81 properties as soon as next month. The homes will then be bulldozed to keep the flood prone areas as open space.
It’s been just six months since the buyout program was announced and Mayor Karl Dean said in a statement that this may be the fastest turnaround for any city that’s trying to clear homes after a major flood.
Nearly 250 homeowners have expressed interest in a buyout. More homes will be purchased, according to a city news release, as federal funds are made available.
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