Vestal, NY (WBNG Binghamton) The Town of Vestal is still up in the air over a potential flood buyout program, something it may not be able to afford.
Many homeowners in the Town of Vestal are in limbo when it comes to knowing what will happen to their flood damaged homes.
Town Supervisor John Schaffer says there are more than 170 homes which could qualify for a buyout program.
Schaffer says it's been difficult to obtain outside funding help.
One reason it does not qualify for some grants is because Vestal does not have federal HUD or low income housing.
The town is considering all options.
The FEMA plan available would have it pay for 75 percent of a buyout and the Town would be responsible for the rest.
But can Vestal shoulder that cost?
"We participated in a buyout last time and made the homeowner whole, 75 percent from FEMA 25 percent from the town. It's not there anymore we don't have that kind of money. We're barely operating so that's going to have to play into our decision on which way we go," says Schaffer.
Schaffer says the number of homes affected by September's flooding is three times higher than during the 2006 flood.
He estimates a buyout would cost the town around 2.5 million dollars.
The town plans to make a decision on the issue soon.
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