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Council Bluffs considers buying flooded land

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December 9th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Council Bluffs is considering buying some property that was flooded by the Missouri River over the summer. The City Council on Monday will vote on the initial process of getting federal funds to buy the properties in two areas near the river. Building inspector Steve Carmichael says there are over 45 homes and other structures that are damaged beyond repair and they need to be demolished. He says they’re in a floodway, not protected by a levee. The city is working on a grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for buyouts. Local governments must provide 15 percent of the amount requested.