He said the corps update should generate preliminary numbers by this coming summer. Federal funds should cover 65 percent, Einarson said, with the remaining 35 percent split 50-50 between local government and the State Water Commission. If the project moves forward, Einarson said construction could start in 2003 and take two years. Leaders have cast aside the Berg Coulee diversion, a plan that would have used the coulee a few miles north of town as a diversion for floodwater. Einarson said officials deemed it too expensive.
Buyouts also are an option.
Einarson said there are 10 to 15 flood-prone homes on the northern edge of town whose owners may be offered voluntary buyouts. FEMA would pay 85 percent of the homes' market values, with the other 15 percent borne by local government or the homeowners. Einarson stressed the buyout option would be voluntary and said that the diversion, if built, would take pressure off those homes during flood season. Einarson said these projects are still in the development stages, and he doesn't look for public informational meetings for a number of months. He said it's possible voter approval will be required to fund local cost shares, depending on which types of local funding officials choose.