On September 14 2008, flash flooding of the River Des Peres severely damaged over 100 University City residences. A federal disaster declaration was subsequently declared, providing the mechanism necessary for the City to apply for federal disaster relief funds. In August of 2010 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a $3 million grant to University City to acquire twenty-six residents in the floodplain. This funding will account for 75% of the total project cost, with the City providing the remaining funds.
The buyout program is voluntary legal transaction available to 26 residents of Wilson Avenue. The process will take at least four months or longer to complete on each individual property. Once the City assumes ownership of the property, the buildings will be removed or destroyed, and the land will be cleared.
To learn more about this program, contact staff at (314) 505-8565 or visit the Community Development webpage.