Knott County says five property owners accepted buyouts; closings expected April 1

At the March 18 Knott County Fiscal Court meeting officials gave an update on federally and state-funded property buyouts tied to flood recovery.

Speaker 1 told the court the county has made offers to several families and that five owners had accepted — two under FEMA and three under NRCS — and that the county is scheduled to begin closings on April 1, subject to completed duplication-of-benefit forms and title search work. "Should be closing on some here, April 1," Speaker 1 said.

County staff said some transactions remain confidential and that the county will provide required documentation to FEMA or NRCS to secure prepayments. After closings, the county plans to bundle demolition work into bid packages, likely grouping about five properties together to expedite contracts for demolition and site clearance.

Speaker 1 said 24 additional addresses were passed along for appraisal during the previous week, indicating continued progress in the buyout program. The county emphasized that owners must complete paperwork and resolve title issues before final payments and property transfers can occur.

The court did not vote on additional funding for the program at this meeting; officials said they will provide updates as closings occur and documentation is finalized.