USDA Flood Buyout Helps Rebuild Lives in Kentucky

By Blake Jackson

In July 2022, southeastern Kentucky experienced a devastating flash flood that struck several counties after five days of intense rainfall. With over 16 inches of rain falling on the region’s steep terrain, the water quickly surged through communities, sweeping away homes, damaging infrastructure, and claiming 45 lives. Roads became impassable, and rescue efforts were hampered due to the extent of the destruction.

To help those affected, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) introduced a pilot program under the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. This initiative aimed to assist residents who had lost their homes and restore safety to the region.

Toby Dawhare was among those who suffered significant loss. “I woke up at 2 a.m. to the sound of timber crashing and the hill beside my house sliding into the creek, which pushed water into the foundation of my house, causing it to collapse,” Dawhare shared. His experience mirrored that of many others as floodwaters surged overnight.

Jimmy Lyons, NRCS’s representative for the program, explained, “The Home Buyout program was designed to help individuals like Toby and his wife, who live in floodplains and experienced catastrophic damage to their homes. This program specifically targets those who have lost their homes due to flooding, offering a pathway to safety and recovery.”

The program involves purchasing damaged properties, demolishing them, and placing permanent easements to prevent future construction on those high-risk sites. This approach not only protects families but also avoids repeated disaster.

“Going through this program makes me feel like I have my life back,” said Dawhare. “For the last three years, I have been jumping from rental to rental, none of which had accommodation for those in wheelchairs. I have had to brush my teeth every night using a bowl of water.”

So far, nearly 600 applications have been submitted, and 110 homes have been purchased, totaling close to $15 million. The funding has enabled many to move to safer areas. County officials are also working on developing new housing away from flood zones.

“With the money from the Home Buyout program purchasing my damaged home, I was able to purchase a new home that has accommodation for me; after almost 3 years, I can cook myself dinner again,” Dawhare added.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jj-gouin