Buchanan County Emergency Management Director Bill Brinton is collecting information ahead of the SEMA Buyout Program for properties that were damaged in the 2011 Missouri River flooding.

Brinton says there are important points to keep in mind:

There are several very important points that we need to share with you as you consider if you want to participate in this program:

*The affected property must be a primary residence. This program does not include summer homes. It can be a rental property, but must be that person’s primary residence.

*If the home is gone – this program will consider only the value of the land. We are going to appeal this point due to the fact that some of the homes were so severely damaged that they needed to be torn down for health and safety reasons and also due to the long period of time that has elapsed since the event occurred.

*There can be no duplication of benefits – any funds that you got from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for your home will be deducted from the amount that you get for your home. Considerations will be made if some of the money was used to begin to restore your home.

The first step is to find out who is interested in participating.

Brinton has put together a packet of information for the program, including frequently-asked questions, a formal notice of voluntary interest, and a declaration and release.

In order to participate in this program please call Bill Brinton, Emergency Management Director for Buchanan County at 816-271-1574 and leave a message.