Austin City Council Helps Storm Victims

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Austin City Council has waived permitting and development fees for hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed by flooding during last week's storms.
City leaders took the action Thursday as part of the process to clear the way for rebuilding or demolition.

Austin officials also announced plans to buy 115 homes in the Onion Creek area that saw the worst damage in Central Texas flooding that claimed at least five lives.

City officials have begun contacting homeowners along the flood plain and hope to make offers within five months. Officials with the city's Watershed Protection Department say funding sources are being sought.

Program details indicate only homes in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Onion Creek Project Area are eligible for buyout offers, depending on amount of damage.

Online:http://www.atxfloods.com/buyout/