Flood "Buy-Out" Information

In dealing with the aftermath of the June 2008 flooding of our community, the City of Vinton will likely be participating in the 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This program allows local communities to purchase property that has damaged by flooding to remove that hazard from the community and protect the safety of residents and property. It is important to remember that there is no guarantee in the program that a house buy-out will be funded.

The City of Vinton will be applying for the program. We have already developed a list of houses which will be likely candidates for the program. These houses are located within and outside of the 100-year floodplain. We have been informed by state and local officials that there will likely not be enough money for all of the houses to be funded. Priority will be given to owner-occupied houses in the 100-year floodplain, then rental properties in the 100-year floodplain. We have been informed that houses outside the 100-year floodplain do not meet the benefit-cost analysis level for funding, so they will not be included.

A Frequently Asked Questions sheet has been prepared by Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This information sheet is available by clicking here. 

To check to see if your property is on the list or if your house is located in the 100-year floodplain, please call Vinton City Hall at (319) 472-4707. Questions can also be sent to vintonfloodrecovery@vintoniowa.net.