FEMA Warns of Flood Risk to Homes on Southside

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a warning regarding the potential flood risk on the Southside of San Antonio. Hundreds of homes in this area exist on a floodplain, putting them in imminent danger should the weather take a turn for the worse.

In response to this warning, the city of San Antonio has offered to help residents of these high-risk homes to relocate elsewhere, ensuring that moving expenses would be covered in this process.

City’s Plan to Cover Expenses

Robert Reyna, the Assistant Director of Public Works, assured that assessment of the value of homes affected would be conducted by an independent third-party appraiser. The coverage would include both the fair market value of the homes based on comparable sales in the area and relocation fees.

Reyna elaborated that the funding for this initiative would come from a city bond set to be on the ballots in 2027. Furthermore, if the project gets approved, the same bond will also cover expenses related to the construction and relocation of residents. “We don’t just, you know, write them a check, and they wish them luck and find any place,” Reyna mentioned, “We definitely work with them every step of the way.”

Residents Voice Concerns Over Accurate Compensation

Despite these assurances, residents like Maria Cruz have doubts. Cruz questioned the value of compensation being offered: “If the county says my house is worth $150,000 to $175,000 but they’re only going to give me $75,000, where am I going to move to for 75,000? Even as a senior citizen, where am I going to move with that amount of money?”

Proposed Solutions for Construction to Prevent Flooding

The city has presented three proposals for construction projects aimed at flood prevention in the area. Each one could land in the range of hundreds of millions of dollars. The discussions will carry on, hopefully leading to a solution that benefits both the residents and the city.

The Search for a Solution Continues

Maria Cruz, a resident of the Southside, summarized the sentiment of many facing relocation by pondering, “What do you do? I mean, there’s so many things that the city can and can’t do. So you just try and keep what they they will plan for.” In this scenario where nature is unpredictable and human lives are at risk, what is clear is that the mitigation of the risk of flooding to the Southside of San Antonio is the priority, and the city is committed to protecting its citizens while navigating these challenges.