3 Lafourche homes to be bought out under flood program

(AP) Louisiana has about 1,700 homes on the federal government’s list of flood-prone properties. Now, that list is going to get a little shorter.

Last week, state and federal officials said nearly $400,000 in federal hazard-mitigation funds have been approved to purchase two homes in Lockport and another one in Thibodaux. The land will be restricted to open space, recreation or wetlands.

Since the 2005 hurricane season, increased attention has been paid to Louisiana’s large volume of homes on the National Flood Insurance Program list of residential structures on the severe repetitive loss list.

“Across the state money for mitigation projects is at work, and this is just another example of how Louisiana is using this disaster as an opportunity to rebuild safer, stronger and smarter,” said Louisiana Recovery Authority member Tim Coulon.

In November 2005, the LRA authorized the release of $250 million to help parishes prevent damage from future disasters by elevating homes, buying out properties and strengthening structures.

A congressionally mandated study conducted for the Federal Emergency Management Agency showed that mitigation saves an average of $4 for every dollar spent.