(Community First Broadcasting Staff Photo)Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Rock Valley began demolishing the first home in its flood buyout program Thursday, Oct. 8th, marking a significant step in the community’s recovery from the June 2024 flood.
For Mayor Kevin Van Otterloo, the moment came with a precise measure of the wait.
Van Otterloo says the buyouts allow participating homeowners to receive compensation and move forward, while demolition removes homes that have remained visible reminders of the flood, particularly near the north entrance into the community.
He credited city staff for their work in reaching this point while acknowledging that completing the process will take time.
Loan Releases and Asbestos Affect Demolition Order
Van Otterloo says the order in which homes are demolished depends on whether properties are ready for removal.
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses. Some of those loans are secured by real estate, and Van Otterloo says obtaining the necessary releases have delayed some purchases.
The first homes being demolished are those without SBA loan complications or asbestos requiring removal. Van Otterloo says asbestos abatement was expected to begin this week, which could allow crews to move on to more properties.
He says the city is purchasing about five to six properties per week when possible, while attorneys continue updating titles and completing necessary paperwork.
Reimbursements Will Help Determine the Pace
Van Otterloo says there is no firm timeline for completing all demolitions.
The overall buyout effort was previously estimated at about $36 million, including property purchases, demolition, and conversion of the land to green space.
FEMA announced in July that more than $22 million through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, combined with Public Assistance funding, would support the acquisition and demolition of 123 residential properties.
The cleared land is set to become open space, reducing the risk of future flood damage.
For Van Otterloo, Thursday’s demolition represented both progress and a difficult moment for former homeowners.
