The hope is to offer assistance to those property owners dealing with flood damage. But there's also a focus on keeping property on the local tax rolls.

The Watseka City Council has worked on a flood grant program that'll do just that -- provide up to $5,000 for people to move forward with demolishing damaged structures or contracting to have their structures raised.

The Council voted 8-0 to set three guidelines in place for the $5,000 grant to kick in.

There must be an application submitted for the grant, provide a certificate showing occupancy, and provide paid receipts for any materials in the process.

Mayor Bob Harwood said 39 homes are documented as having substantial flood damage. Letters have been mailed to those property owners to let them know they must meet the criteria of the National Flood Insurance Plan to either raise the structure or demolish it. Fourteen homes are in the process of being raised.

94.1 WGFA