Home buyout plan could cost Miami about $1 million

(Miami, Oklahoma-AP) -- City officials in Miami (MY-AM'-uh) say their efforts to buy ten homes that are often flooded could cost about $1 million.

The $80,000 to $100,000 homes are in a new development that floods two to three times a year, usually during the spring and fall. Most problems are reported in the area where Tar Creek and the Neosho River merge.

The city plans to use part of a $330,000 federal grant to fund the program. Civil emergency management director Terry Durborow says the city must come up with a 25 percent in matching funds.

Officials sent ten letters to residents in the area last week asking if the owners are interested in the buyout. They've received six responses, all from owners interested in the program.