SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — We are getting a better idea of how the city of Sioux Falls plans to help the Lotta and Rose neighborhoods. The area, near Tomar Park, experienced major flooding as the Big Sioux River overflowed its banks in March.
Last week, the city council approved a flood buyout program. Tuesday, the plan went to the planning commission.
The plan is focused on the Lotta and Rose neighborhoods in southern Sioux Falls. It would impact homes, rental properties and businesses north of Lotta to Tomar Park and all of Rose Street. All together, the city would like to buy 55 properties.
The city plans to pay for it with $1 million in surplus funds from 2018. In the future, the money will be put aside in the CIP park land acquisition project fund.
So why buy the properties? The properties in question will continue to have flood threats, some homeowners are unable to invest in repairs and a levee system is too expensive for the city.
The first homes the city wants to buy include properties in the 100-year floodplain, buildings that are unlivable due to damage and areas that are likely to flood again.
Currently the city is in a 20-day waiting period before funds are available. The city will then work on assessing properties of those interested.
