Residents of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, suffering from worsening landslides can now access a $42 million buyout program. This initiative, revealed at a special town hall meeting, is funded by FEMA and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. "This buyout program provides a viable pathway forward," said Mayor John Cruikshank, highlighting the opportunity for affected homeowners to safely relocate with adequate compensation. More than 250 homes have been compromised in the past two years by land shifts and utility disruptions.
Homeowners, many of whom say they are facing expenses up to $100,000 for repairs and utility conversions, may find relief through this initiative. The program seeks to purchase homes at pre-disaster values, allowing residents to move to safer locations. The city will convert acquired properties into open spaces, restricting future redevelopment in these vulnerable zones. This measure follows disaster declarations after heavy storms earlier this year that aggravated the situation, KCAL-TV reported.
The landslide issue adds to California's struggles with extreme events including wildfires. Some homes in Rancho Palos Verdes have been destroyed, with evacuation warnings in place and essential services cut for many. The land in the area, site of the historic Portuguese Bend landslide, is now shifting between 9 to 12 inches weekly due to recent torrential rains. Interested property owners must request inspections by November 4 and submit applications by November 8. Properties will be prioritized based on safety and structural considerations. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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