State officials predict the first federally-approved buy-outs of homes destroyed by Tropical Storm Irene could be completed by February.
FEMA has approved the purchase of 81 properties that were destroyed by the flood. The federal buy-out process includes an appraisal, along with historic and environmental reviews of the property.
The state says it’s doing everything possible to expedite the process. It’s been more than 16 months since dozens of property-owners lost their homes in the flood.