ST. LOUIS (AP) — Officials in southwest Missouri want federal officials to help buy out property owners in a flood-prone area.

At issue is flooding along the Spring River, which was among the waterways to overflow after recent heavy rains. Last week, notices were posted on 20 homes warning that no rebuilding will be allowed until Jasper County assesses the property.

Presiding Jasper County Commissioner John Bartosh says the county would like to buy the land, raze the buildings or move mobile homes, and use the land as a park. The Joplin Globe reports that the county unsuccessfully sought funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help cover buyout costs after 2007 flooding.

But Bartosh says the recent flooding was worse, with water getting up to the eaves in the houses.