Nearly half a million dollars in federal funds have been allocated to buy out a handful of flood-damaged homes in De Soto.
On Jan. 17, De Soto City Manager Todd Melkus received written notification that the city is eligible to receive up to $462,860.25 in federal funds to buy and demolish five residential properties.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency agreed to allocate Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds for the project. The funds will be funneled through the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to the city, which is listed as a subrecipient.
As part of the agreement signed by the city and SEMA, De Soto must provide $154,286.75 toward the acquisition and demolition of these properties “and deed restrict them into open space for perpetuity.”
This is the first time buyout funds have been allocated to De Soto, Melkus said.
“So, what all of this means so far is that we have been allocated this amount for five properties,” Melkus said. “Unfortunately, before this news even came about, we did have one property owner decide they no longer wanted to be considered for a buyout. We inquired about the possibility of being able to substitute another property in its place but was informed by FEMA that only the properties on the initial application are eligible so we will just have to move forward with the four.”
All four properties are in the floodway.
Melkus said the homes chosen for buyouts are based on past flooding occurrences and property owners’ interest.
He said the appraisal process has not begun yet and he is not sure how the process works.
“(The property owners) still have a tough decision ahead of them depending on the time frame this will take, as well as the offer they will receive for their property,” Melkus said.
The anticipated project completion date listed in the funding approval form is Jan. 16, 2026.
“This is all new to us, so we are learning along the way,” Melkus said. “Luckily, I am receiving assistance from Kelly Leilani Main (executive director of Buy-In Community Planning Inc.) who has been an integral part of our team concerning these applications. Buy-In was first introduced to me by Susan Liley (founder of Citizens’ Committee for Flood Relief) who had built a relationship with them that has grown into the partnership we have today.
“Kelly has been instrumental in the detailed buyout application processes and is also currently working on the next round of participants (another five properties with preliminary funding) that we are working on. Along with Kelly’s work, Susan has also been working hard getting documents signed by property owners and working with them on this process.”
Main has said submitting buyout applications to federal agencies and getting funding will take many years.
“I’m proud that something is finally happening to help people,” Liley said. “I’m just happy that people will have a chance at least choose to take the FEMA buyout or not. They’ll have a chance to have a say-so. I never wanted to take it out of their hands. I always wanted it to be their choice as what to do.”
Liley said 50-60 De Soto households had expressed interest in buyouts but not all of those were serious about a buyout.
“The problem is so far FEMA is only taking people that have flood insurance,” Liley said. “Many don’t have that and they are the poor people who need it the worst. We have not figured out how to apply for that help yet.”
According to studies, the city has experienced five flood events in the past four years. The De Soto floodplains affect 354 homes, 109 commercial properties, an electrical substation, the De Soto Rural Fire Protection District and the De Soto Public Library. The depth of water in the floodplain can get as deep as 10-13 feet during a major precipitation event.
Residents or building owners who have experienced flooding may fill out a buyout interest survey at buy-in.org/sign-up.
The city has acquired at least 16 properties in the floodway for flood mitigation.
“These purchases just continue to show the commitment that the city has made to purchase properties that are in the floodplain, especially blighted properties that are able to be purchased for a minimal cost,” Melkus said.
He has said the properties will be part of a natural area to aid flood mitigation.
Previously, Melkus said a walking trail could be developed in the area.