At its November 5 meeting, Montgomery County commissioners voted to hire a consultant who will guide the county through the application process for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant. The grant will fund the purchase and demolition of roughly 50 homes that have suffered multiple flood events.
Why the buyout program matters
Jason Millsaps, executive director of the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, explained that the county has identified about 250 properties classified by FEMA as “severe repetitive loss” – homes that have filed multiple flood‑damage claims. Most of the targeted properties are in Precincts 3 and 4, where historic flooding has been most severe.
“It’s a really great program,” Millsaps said. “Not only to get them out of the mess that they’re in, but we get them in a home that’s way better and a much nicer place with very little expense to them.” The program also offers down‑payment assistance and moving expenses for qualifying homeowners, based on income.
Funding and timeline
The county will contract Hagerty Consulting for $59,000, a cost that FEMA can reimburse if the grant is awarded. After the consultant is hired, the county will submit its application to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) in the coming weeks. The TWDB must forward all applications to FEMA by February.
Nationwide, FEMA estimates more than $600 million is available in this grant cycle for flood‑mitigation assistance. Montgomery County hopes to secure a portion of that funding to address the local flood crisis.
Progress to date
To date, Montgomery County has already purchased 148 flood‑prone properties. After acquisition, the homes are demolished and the land is converted to green space, reducing future flood risk and providing community benefits.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray echoed Millsaps’ enthusiasm, calling the program “great” for the county and its residents.
Next steps for homeowners
Millsaps said his office will soon reach out to owners of the identified properties to gauge interest in a voluntary buyout. Homeowners who choose to participate will receive fair market compensation and assistance with relocation costs.
The county’s proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to protecting families, preserving property values, and enhancing public safety in flood‑vulnerable areas of Montgomery County.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
