Kanawha County Commission applies for USDA flood buyout program

The Kanawha County Commission has voted to apply for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection Recovery Buyout Program. This initiative aims to assist residents in areas that have faced increased flooding, such as Campbells Creek.

The program offers a 75-25 cost-sharing match, with the USDA covering the majority of the expenses. To support this, the county commission has approved $500,000 to cover its 25 percent portion should the application be successful.

If approved, the county intends to use the funds to purchase properties from owners, demolish existing structures, and return the land to its natural state. While the land may be leased to others, no new buildings would be permitted on the sites. County staff noted that the application must be submitted within 60 days of the most recent flood event.