San Angelo Council Backs Plan to Pursue Federal Flood Buyouts

SAN ANGELO, TX — In response to widespread flood damage from the July 4 storm, the San Angelo City Council on Tuesday directed staff to begin the process of applying for federal assistance through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, which could help fund voluntary buyouts of flood-prone properties.

Operations Director Patrick Frerich presented the item, noting the city is seeking to reduce future risks by exploring property acquisition in the floodway and floodplain, particularly in areas where rebuilding is not feasible due to repeat flooding or public safety concerns.

“I don’t want to set people up for failure by putting them back in the same place where I know it’s going to flood again,” Frerich said. “This allows individual property owners, private property owners, to negotiate and sell their property to the city." 

The EWP Program, administered by the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), provides federal funds to help purchase private residential and commercial properties that are repeatedly threatened by flooding. The program also funds EWP Armoring projects, which protect infrastructure like bridges and public buildings from stormwater damage.

Frerich told council members that if approved, the city would submit a formal Letter of Request to the NRCS, followed by site evaluations. Projects accepted by the NRCS are typically funded with a 75% federal / 25% local cost-share. Staff noted that while larger buyouts would need council approval, smaller mitigation or “armoring” projects could be funded through the general or stormwater fund.

Frerich emphasized that the process is voluntary and would not involve eminent domain. “If people are ready to get out of these areas, this could be the opportunity to do it,” he said.

The council voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize staff to submit a letter of request to the NRCS for funding through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. Staff will return with specific project proposals and local funding options as they are identified.