USDA Launches Voluntary Property Buyout Program to Protect Lincoln County Residents from Future Flooding
In response to the challenges many Lincoln County residents have faced after this summer’s devastating fires and floods, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Lincoln County are introducing a Voluntary Property Buyout Program. This initiative offers eligible property owners a chance to sell their flood-prone properties, providing an opportunity to reduce future risks by relocating to safer areas. The program’s goal is to help those affected by natural disasters avoid potential future damage from flooding and erosion by converting purchased properties into protected open spaces.
Some properties impacted by these natural disasters may remain vulnerable to future catastrophic flooding damage from rain events in the coming years. In light of this, the NRCS program is designed to help residents who wish to mitigate future risk by voluntarily selling their property to the local government. Properties sold to the County, under this program, will not be available for future housing development.
Should you choose to participate in this program, your property would be purchased by local government and permanently designated as open space to implement flood and erosion control measures on these lands and safeguard the surrounding communities. This program is open to all residents of Lincoln County, including those within the incorporated limits of Ruidoso Downs and the Village of Ruidoso.
To express interest and initiate this process, please complete the following form:
https://forms.gle/PNFNhLHgERtB4Hyq6
Lincoln County Information Session for Potential Buyout Program
For residents of Lincoln County, affected by recent floods and fires, a Town Hall meeting will be held on November 20, 2024, at 6 pm at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso (ENMU-R). This session will outline the buyout program details, eligibility, and answer questions. Residents considering the program are encouraged to attend to understand their options and the program's impact on the community.
For those interested, additional information and an interest form can be found here. You may also join the informational meeting virtually using this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82106264524?pwd=j6oRAJ4ONfOEWESaxWoLUG8DxHGv9C.1 with Meeting ID: 821 0626 4524, Passcode: 054351.
We encourage everyone to attend, as we’ll be addressing questions, discussing program criteria, and outlining next steps. Our thoughts are with each of you as you make the best decisions for yourselves and your families. We look forward to offering more clarity and support at the upcoming meeting.
What Is the EWP Recovery Buyout Program?
The EWP Recovery Buyout Program assists local governments and landowners by purchasing flood-damaged properties to prevent future risk. Through these voluntary buyouts, the NRCS works with sponsors—such as local governments, tribes, and other political entities—to acquire at-risk properties and restore the land to a natural state. This approach helps protect the surrounding community by increasing flood storage capacity and preventing future development in high-risk zones.
The program is especially valuable where structural solutions like levees or flood walls are ineffective or financially unsustainable. Once a property is purchased, it is restricted to open space use, ensuring that flood-prone areas are preserved for conservation and community safety.
How the Buyout Process Works
1. After a qualifying disaster event, an eligible sponsor must submit a request in writing to their local NRCS State Conservationist within 60 days.
2. If approved for funding, NRCS will work with the project sponsor to define the terms of a cooperative agreement and clarify roles and responsibilities.
3. Acquisition is handled by the sponsor, who then purchases the property and becomes the owner. A deed restriction is placed on the title limiting land use to open space and natural resource conservation.
4. Structures will either be demolished or relocated outside of the flood zone.
5. Conservation practices will be installed that restore the natural environment and provide flooding and erosion protection.
6. Continued monitoring and maintenance of the property will be performed by the project sponsor.
Criteria for Assistance
All EWP work must provide protection from future flooding or soil erosion; reduce threats to life and property; restore the natural function to the watershed; and be economically and environmentally sound.
Sponsor Eligibility Guide and Resources
How Do I Obtain Assistance?
If property has been damaged by flooding or threatened by severe erosion and meets the eligibility requirements, it may qualify for EWP assistance.
To request assistance, work with a local project sponsor and contact your NRCS EWP Program Manager.
Program Example: Runnins River Corridor, East Providence, Rhode Island
In East Providence, Rhode Island, NRCS buyouts helped address flooding in the Runnins River corridor. Severe flooding in Luther’s Corner neighborhood often rendered roads impassable, hindering emergency response. Properties in this area were purchased and reverted to their natural state, enhancing flood storage and reducing future flooding risks.
Building a Safer, Resilient Future for Lincoln County
As Lincoln County continues to recover from the devastating effects of recent natural disasters, the Voluntary Property Buyout Program offers a proactive way to reduce future risks and protect the community. Residents are encouraged to consider this opportunity and join the informational meeting on November 20 to learn more. Together, these efforts aim to create a safer, more resilient future for all.
Source Document: Emergency Watershed Protection Program RECOVERY BUYOUT FACT SHEET
