Massive flooding in June 2024 hit Spencer, Iowa, hard, and the city of Spencer is ultimately seeking $10 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
City Manager Kevin Robinson told Siouxland Public Media News the Spencer City Council members approved an application for a final package from a FEMA buyout program during the Monday council meeting.
If approved by the federal agency, that package could total $10 million and cover up to 40 properties where homeowners will move instead of rebuilding. Robinson said an answer on that grant is expected this spring.
Robinson previously said buyouts of the 40 homes could be in the range from $100,000 to $260,000, based on their values before the flood.
Also in the aftermath of the flood, the city of Spencer drew $5.5 million from city budget reserves, for carrying the most important, immediate flooding repair needs to crucial infrastructure. Some FEMA reimbursements to the city for that have been received.
Spencer was heavily flooded when the Little Sioux River roared out of banks.
