Mecklenburg County to offer buyouts for Helene-damaged homes near Mountain Island Lake
Mecklenburg County commissioners on Tuesday approved a plan to offer voluntary buyouts for homes damaged by Helene.
Flooding along the Catawba River near Mountain Island Lake damaged at least 170 structures, including homes and outbuildings, during the storm, which made landfall as a category 4 hurricane in Florida and left widespread damage throughout the southeast in late September. Flooding in the area occurred as Helene’s rainfall moved through Duke Energy’s water control system along the Catawba River, including Mountain Island Lake.
Now, the county will offer to buy or retrofit some of the damaged properties. Storm Water Services has allocated $8.5 million for buyouts and retrofitting, county spokeswoman Betsy Abraham said.
Under the plan approved Tuesday, single-family homes that were “substantially damaged” by Helene’s floodwaters within a designated flood hazard area will be eligible for voluntary buyouts. The size of the buyout offer will vary based on whether the property owner had flood insurance, the extent of the damage and whether the property owner has already received federal aid, according to the county’s approved plan.
Additional homeowners in the affected area may also be eligible for county grants to elevate or demolish their property under the plan.
Homeowners interested in the voluntary buyout should email Jonathan.beller@mecknc.gov, and those interested in retrofitting an apply for a grant online at stormwaterservices.mecknc.gov/retrofit-floodproofing-program.
Commissioners approved the plan unanimously without discussion.
Mecklenburg County was not initially included in the federal disaster declaration in the wake of Helene. That drew advocacy from some local leaders to be included, and Mecklenburg was added about a week after the storm hit, unlocking more aid for homeowners and additional public assistance for state and local governments.
This story was originally published November 7, 2024 at 10:18 AM.
