Homeowners still not sure if their homes will be bought out

FEMA approved the entire state of North Dakota for 15 million dollars for flood buyouts. 11 million is needed in just Cass County, but it could be months before that money now becomes available.

”You lose hope.”

Grant and Gwendoline Poyner have been through what many people have the last year.

“March 26th was our move out date.”

“You're trying to support kids and still provide what you did before.”

The Poyner's are just getting the news the government is delaying buying their home after the flood. They had hoped to have it finalized this month.

“There's people living in their homes that have been bought out before use and everybody on the last application delay has got substantial damage at 50 percent or more.”

Since June, the couple has been making payments on two homes. An extra cost of more than 11 hundred dollars every month. Add in flood insurance, and this delay is devastating.

“We have to tap a lot of our savings.”

About 40 other homeowners are in the same boat in Cass County alone. The delay could be days, if not months depending when Congress approves funding. Leaders call this is a first for the state, but they're staying optimistic.

“They've solved this four times before in this decade, they'll solve it again.”

The delay may be budget related or the fact even more states could be dealing with flooding this spring after a harsh winter. Still, as homeowners wait for action, many are left wondering what to do now.

“My biggest fear is having to let this go back to the bank and us being bankrupt for the next seven to ten years.”

Congress is meeting next week so lawmakers could decide then on the President's request for the 3.6 billion dollar funding. The bill would cover disaster related expenses like flood buyouts.

Tags: travis skonseng, north dakota, flood, home, fargo, news