DEARBORN HEIGHTS (WWJ) -- The city of Dearborn Heights is using FEMA money to buy up four more homes that are prone to floods.
Mayor Bill Bazzi says the homes in the Ecorse Creek flood zone will be demolished and turned into parkland that can absorb water overflow from the creek.
In an official statement, the mayor explained the plan is all part of a voluntary program that allows interested homeowners who have experienced chronic flooding issues to sell their homes to the city and move out.
“This is just one small step in the process to help reduce the inconvenience, pain and suffering experienced by our residents in this area” Mayor Bazzi said. “But I’m confident it will make a positive impact for those who truly want to exercise the opportunity to relocate out of this flood zone.”
Bazzi added that additional, longer-term solutions are also under consideration by local, county, state and federal officials.
The grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Michigan State Police Hazard Mitigation allowing the purchase of the homes provides 75% of the structures’ purchase price, with the city being responsible for the remaining 25%.
The project began in 2016 with FEMA/MSP grants totaling nearly $4 million, and the intent to purchase and demolish 28 homes. To date, 16 homes have been purchased and torn down under those grants, with the additional four now in the process of being demolished.
The City of Dearborn Heights anticipates the approval of the current FEMA/MSP grant by the end of this year, and the purchase of the selected homes to be completed by early 2022.
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