Franklin County offers to buy flood-damaged homes, turn land into green space
More than three months after heavy rains caused historic flooding statewide, Franklin County is offering to purchase flood-damaged houses and turn them into permanent green space.
Franklin County Judge Executive Michael Mueller said 514 houses were destroyed in the county during April’s flooding, when the Kentucky River crested at 48.27 feet, the second-highest level ever recorded.
To be eligible to apply for the buyout program, any residence — whether primary, rental or secondary — must have had water enter the property. Applications are due Aug. 1.
This fully voluntary program is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program through the Natural Resources Conservation Service alongside the county.
Mueller said Thursday during a town hall meeting that the project is in its preliminary stages and is 75% funded by the USDA.
The state will cover about 20% and Franklin County or the city of Frankfort would fill in the remaining 5%, as well as the administrative fees and deed checks, according to Mueller.
In Franklin County, buyouts up to $250,000 are tax-free.
Taking from one to two years, the buyout process involves several steps.
The first includes an appraisal to determine the value of the property one day before the flooding damage.
Once this is specified, the county offers to purchase the house. If the owner declines the offer, the buyout stops just like at any other voluntary house sale.
Upon approval, the property is demolished and permanently converted into a green space, without rebuilding any other houses to avoid future flooding threats.
If the state does not approve its part of the funding, Franklin County would be responsible for the full 25% match. If the county can’t cover that, the homeowner’s final offer would be reduced to what can be covered by available funds.
Mueller encouraged affected residents to apply as early as possible, which can be done by calling the ER Assist Buyout Team at (606) 268-4228 or emailing buyout@erassist.com.
“I lived on the river in ‘97 and got flooded and that was enough for me ... and that was before wife and kids, so I can’t imagine going through this with a whole family,” Mueller said.
The rains that began April 2 left seven people dead statewide, including a 9-year-old Frankfort boy who died while walking to his school bus stop.
This story was originally published July 11, 2025 at 4:44 PM.
