NC county to buy flood-damaged homes

CHARLOTTE — Mecklenburg County could spend more than $4 million to buy as many as 50 homes that suffered serious flood damage after Tropical Storm Fay and other storms.

The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday the voluntary program would be limited to homes damaged in floods on Aug. 27, after Fay drenched the Charlotte area, or Sept. 10. The homes also must be prone to future flooding.

Under the plan, the county’s Storm Water Services department would spend $4 million to buy up to 30 homes, while Parks and Recreation could buy up to 20 homes using money from greenway bonds approved last year.

The plan has been approved by commissioners. Qualified home owners will be notified soon.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)