Hopkinsville Acquisitions:

Protecting Residents from Floods

Hopkinsville, Kentucky – Nestled at the base of the Pennyrile Region in southwestern Kentucky, Hopkinsville community officials and residents know first-hand the importance of flood mitigation. Flooding from the Little River has caused 18 major flood events in Christian County in the last 100 years. In March 1997, after major flooding caused over $75 million in damages and devastated 450 homes, officials in “Hop-Town” (as locals refer to their community) knew it was time to pursue ways to lessen the impact flooding was repeatedly having on their town.

Flood Buyout Press Release

In August 2004 the City began working with the State Mitigation Office to determine if any properties outside Cherokee Park would be eligible for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds.  The City provided the State Mitigation office information and maps of Donna Drive, Dawn Drive, Springmont Drive and Givens Addition areas.  Based on information provided by the City and information in the NFIP database the mitigation office ran a cost benefit ratio analysis on all properties located within the 100-year floodplain.  This was an estimated 60 properties.

In order to be eligible for the grant properties must pass a cost benefit ratio analysis and have current NFIP coverage.  Of the 60 properties only 11 passed the analysis and had flood insurance.

The City contacted the owners of the properties and offered them a chance to come in and discuss the grant program.  Six property owners continued with the process and an application was submitted in December 2004.  All six properties are located in the Givens Addition Area.

Last week we received notification the City’s application to acquire and demolish the structures had been approved by FEMA.  The total budget is $732,300.  The federal share is 75% ($549,225), the local share is 13% ($95,199) and the state share is 12% ($87,876). 

Final documentation is scheduled to be approved by the Legislative Review Committee within the next 90 – 120 days.  Once that is done City Council will need to authorize the City to enter into the agreement and set aside matching funds in order for work to begin. 

The houses will be appraised and offers will be made to property owners based on the appraised values.  If the property owner accepts the City’s offer the houses will be purchased by the City and demolished.  The City will then maintain the land as green space and six more properties will be removed from the floodplain.

Funding for this grant became available following the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Kentucky’s severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in May and June of 2004.  

If you have any questions about the flood buyout programs please contact Crissy Upton at (270) 890-0210 or email at cupton@hopkinsvilleky.us

Cherokee Park Buyout Finalized

Early this year the City completed its fourth and most likely final round of buyouts in Cherokee Park.  A total of 53 properties have been purchased in this subdivision, leaving only 16 houses in the 100-year floodplain.  Only three of those remaining are located adjacent to Little River.  (See attached map.)  This has been accomplished with total grant receipts of nearly $1.7 million and City matching funds of approximately $305,000.