MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- Local state lawmakers Stephen Goldfinch and Heather Ammons-Crawford proposed a fund that would help flood victims move out of their homes. The goal is to get people out of flood zones and restore wetlands.
State Senator Stephen Goldfinch said he talked with constituents who’ve had their home flood year after year and said no one should live in a 100 year flood plain.
He also notes that the flood zones need to change, but said this bill will help these people get out.
Someone offered federal money for a buyout program is eligible for 75 percent of the property’s appraised value. The proposed fund would provide revolving loans for homeowners to cover the remaining 25 percent.
“It’s very difficult for people to figure out how to come up with that 25 percent match and if the state’s policy is going to get these people out of the 100 year flood zone it’s incumbent on us to help them get out,” said Senator Goldfinch.
The bill requests 2 million dollars to get the fund started. Senator goldfinch said those funds will come from federal grants. He also said if passed, Governor McMaster will request federal money to build the fund up to 20 to 25 million dollars.
“We’re ready to provide that 25 percent match to these homeowners that want to get out of the flood zone so we don’t have to continue to pay to fix their homes over and over and over again,” said Senator Goldfinch.
Senator Goldfinch said local governments have to apply for buy out programs. Another part of the bill would restore wetlands and have local governments buy a minimum of 10 acres of land.
Goldfinch said he believes this bill will get bipartisan support and pass.
