Montgomery County Extends Harvey Buyouts

Montgomery County Extends Hurricane Harvey Buyout Program Through 2027, Offering Lifeline to Flood-Prone Homeowners

**MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX** – Montgomery County homeowners still grappling with the enduring impact of Hurricane Harvey have received a significant reprieve: the county’s Commissioners Court has approved a substantial three-year extension for its Hurricane Harvey Buyout Grant program. Originally slated to conclude on June 30, 2024, the vital initiative will now run through September 30, 2027.

This extension, officially greenlit by the Texas General Land Office (GLO), acknowledges the intricate and often protracted nature of acquiring flood-prone properties. Funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, the voluntary buyout initiative targets properties that sustained substantial damage during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017. Its primary objective is clear: to mitigate future flood risks by purchasing homes situated in high-risk zones, many of which have experienced repeated flooding events.

Since its inception, the program has identified approximately 120 properties for acquisition. To date, 59 of those properties have been successfully purchased, totaling just over $11 million in expenditures. This leaves 61 properties still navigating various stages of the complex buyout process, representing a substantial portion of the original $25.5 million allocation.

The need for an extension underscores the numerous hurdles encountered throughout the program’s lifecycle. These challenges include resolving complex title issues, addressing hazardous material abatements like asbestos and mold, reconciling differing property appraisals, conducting intricate property surveys, and reaching agreements with multiple homeowners on a single property. These transactions are rarely quick, and the delays have caused frustration for both county administrators and residents eager to move forward with their lives.

“We understand that this process can be incredibly challenging and emotionally taxing for homeowners who have already endured so much,” stated Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough. “The original timeline simply didn’t account for the depth of the complexities involved, from clearing titles that haven’t been touched in decades to ensuring environmental compliance. This extension is a testament to our commitment to these residents and our determination to help them achieve a safer, more sustainable future.”

Many of the properties involved are concentrated in historically hard-hit areas such as the Shadow Lake, River Plantation, and Forest Hills subdivisions, particularly along tributaries of White Oak Creek, the San Jacinto River, and Spring Creek. These regions bore the brunt of Harvey’s torrential rains and subsequent flooding, which submerged vast swaths of Montgomery County.

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham commented on the extension, emphasizing the state’s role in facilitating recovery. “The GLO works closely with local communities to implement these critical CDBG-DR programs effectively. We recognize that disaster recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and we approved this extension to ensure Montgomery County has the necessary time to complete these vital buyouts, ultimately strengthening the resilience of their communities against future flood events.”

For families living in perpetual flood zones, the uncertainty surrounding their homes has been a continuous burden. The extension offers a renewed sense of hope and a more realistic timeframe to finalize their voluntary buyouts, providing the opportunity to relocate to higher ground and avoid the cycle of repeated damage and despair.

Eligible homeowners whose properties are still in the buyout process or those who believe they may qualify are encouraged to reach out to the Montgomery County Department of Community Development for information on next steps and program requirements. More information can also be found on the Montgomery County website.

Ultimately, this three-year extension is more than just a procedural change; it’s a vital step in helping Montgomery County fully recover from Hurricane Harvey, providing safer solutions for its most vulnerable residents, and bolstering the community’s preparedness for future weather events.