(KIWA Staff Photo)
Spencer, Iowa (RI) — The City of Spencer is still waiting for FEMA to buy out flood-damaged homes after historic flooding two years ago, when about 80% of properties sustained damage as two rivers crested at record levels.
City Manager Kevin Robinson originally requested $5.6 million to purchase 40 homes, but FEMA will fund 25 of those properties. He says the city will cover the remaining 15.
Homes purchased with federal funding will be demolished and replaced with green space or pocket parks. Robinson says the city has developed a flood-response plan to better protect residents from future disasters. One man died during the flooding when his pickup was swept into the river.
Robinson expects FEMA funding to come within the next two weeks.
Last month, FEMA awarded nearly $5.5 million to Spencer and the local school district to repair parks, wastewater lift stations, and an elementary school. Last week, the agency committed $22 million to Rock Valley to buy and demolish 123 flood-damaged properties.
