Help is finally on the way for the victims of a 2010 summer flood on Market Street.  The Scottsboro City Council voted at their last meeting to approve a FEMA mitigation grant contract for a total of $724,488. The federal share of the grant is $543,366, putting the city’s part at just over $181,000.

According to Mayor Melton Potter the city’s part will be half money and half in-kind services, “We can tear houses down and that goes toward our part of the grant,” he said.

The federal money is meant to purchase the 15 pieces of property that were affected. That property includes 11 homes, one business and three vacant lots.  Mayor Potter said that the property has already been appraised and the owners, if they choose to sell, will receive the appraised value of their property before the flood.

The city is currently in the process of doing a title search for the property owners. When that is complete, the Mayor says they will begin making offers. “It’s strictly voluntary,” he said, “they don’t have to take it.” If the land owners do not take the grant money they will be responsible for their property in the event of another flood.

Mayor Potter says the city plans to tear down structures on the property they purchase, and maintain it. “It’s not something we’re going to neglect,” he said.

The goal of the city is to complete this project as quickly as possible. Mayor Potter said, “My goal is to have it finished in three to six months. The residents have had to wait long enough.”

The Mayor added, “I appreciate all the help we have received getting this pushed through from Senator Shelby, Congressman Brooks and the legislative delegation. “

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