LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Nearly $10 million in grant funding has been awarded to the Metro Sewer District for the acquisition of 128 homes in a 15 acre, flood prone area in west Louisville.
On Aug. 4, 2009 record-breaking rain fell on the Louisville metro area causing widespread flash flooding. One of the hardest hit areas was Maple Street between 21st and 26th streets.
“I’m not safe here anymore. I don’t feel safe. You can't sleep when it rains. You don’t know when it’s gonna rain, and if it’s raining and your somewhere else then you try to get home to make sure it’s not flooded, “ said resident Dwayne Haynes.
Eligible property owners will be offered a pre-damage fair market value for their homes to enable them to purchase a comparable home outside the flood prone area. Renters at the properties will be eligible to receive up to $5,250 in relocation funds.
“I’m going. I don’t know about everybody else here, but I’m going,” said Haynes.
Within 18-24 months, MSD plans to remove the homes and utilize the remaining 15 acres of space for additional flood protection and green infrastructure. Property owners will be contacted by letter within the next few weeks outlining the steps in the grant process.
WHAS11's Maggie Ruper spoke with residents. Click on the video player above for more.
