GF County looking at buying flood prone home

Grand Forks County is mulling over the idea of buying a home to avoid replacing a bridge.  The house in question is in rural Manvel and is prone to annual flooding along the Turtle River.

The residence is the only one served by a nearby bridge that has deteriorated to a point that it is now the second lowest rated bridge in the county.  The homeowners have indicated a willingness to sell the property but only at full value.

A FEMA program offers a 75% buy-out option.  The county would have to foot the remaining 25% – or some $93,000 dollars which includes the cost to raze the structure.  The cost to replace the bridge is estimated at upwards of $800,000 dollars.

The county commission is awaiting some additional information before voting the buy-out up or down.