Flood Victims Ponder If They Should Stay Or Go

Monday, August 6th 2007, 10:17 am

By: News On 6

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. (AP) -- Coffeyville residents are trying to decide whether to rebuild or accept buyout offers after their homes were inundated with oily floodwaters. More than 71,000 gallons of crude oil spilled from the Coffeyville Resources refinery last month as floodwaters rose.

The flooding left many homes uninhabitable. And most of the residents have no flood insurance.

The refinery is giving 311 homeowners the option of selling their property for 110% of the pre-flood market value.

The residents get 30 days to make up their minds.

The company says the buyouts are generous, noting most of the damage came from flooding.

But not all agree. An attorney who has sued the refinery on behalf of residents says oil exposure has contaminated the properties.

Related stories:

7/20/2007 - Refinery Announces Plan To Purchase Flooded Homes

7/24/2007 - Refinery's Home Purchase Program Moves Forward