FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program supports local and state governments in purchasing homes that have been damaged by floods, demolishing them, and turning the property into public land. This initiative, known as floodplain buyouts, helps homeowners move away from areas prone to flooding and into safer environments. By creating open space and areas that can collect floodwaters, floodplain buyouts also potentially benefit the community at large by protecting other homes in the region.
While floodplain buyouts have their advantages, they can also be a cause for concern. According to Mathew Sanders, a senior officer for U.S. conservation at Pew Charitable Trusts, some communities may be reluctant to take on the legal liability associated with owning deeded land acquired through buyouts. This can lead to problems such as blight, community fragmentation, and difficulty with municipal services. Without full participation, floodplain buyouts may fail to address the underlying issues effectively.
One of the biggest challenges associated with FEMA’s floodplain buyouts is the time it takes for the process to be completed. On average, federal buyouts can take anywhere from two to five years, although 80% of FEMA acquisitions are approved in less than two years. This lengthy process can be frustrating for homeowners who are left in limbo, unsure of whether to rebuild or move on. While Andrea Jones was able to navigate the buyout process relatively quickly, delays due to the pandemic can further exacerbate the timeline for others.
As the U.S. grapples with a housing shortage of at least 7.2 million homes, the debate around floodplain buyouts becomes even more complex. Carlos Martín, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, raises important questions about how to balance the need for affordable housing with the need to protect populations from the effects of climate change. With multiple agencies and programs involved in funding floodplain buyouts, coordination and communication become crucial to ensure that the process is efficient and effective.
FEMA’s floodplain buyouts offer both benefits and challenges to homeowners and communities alike. While they provide a pathway for individuals to move out of harm’s way and potentially create safer environments for others, the long timeline, legal liabilities, and community concerns associated with buyouts must be carefully considered. As the U.S. continues to face the dual crises of housing affordability and climate change effects, finding a balance between providing for the population and protecting them from harm remains a critical challenge. Despite the controversies surrounding floodplain buyouts, continued investment in these initiatives may be necessary to mitigate the impacts of flooding and create more resilient communities in the face of climate change.