After years of Dunloup Creek in West Virginia’s Fayette County constantly flooding, officials think they’ve found a solution: abandon the region.
The federal Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Dunloup Creek Watershed Association have devised a plan to offer voluntary buyouts to roughly 290 landowners in Kilsyth, Harvey, Red Star, Glen Jean and parts of Mount Hope.
If everyone accepts the offer, the cost could come to roughly $14 million. Landowners have until Sept. 1 to decide.
The goal is to have the 100-year flood plain free of permanent structures, although it could be used for recreation.
Gary Redden, district conservationist for the service in Beckley, says this is the only project of such magnitude in the country.
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Baxtor says: 
Daredevil CEOs May Put Companies at Risk
California Independent Contractor Law May Be Liability for Agents, Brokers
North Carolina Continues Auto Regulation Debate As Rates Stay Same for 2012
Long-time California Lobbyist Looks to 2012 Legislation Affecting Insurance
Mine Safety Chief Seeks to End Complacency Over Safety
Virginia Court Grants Rehearing of Global Warming Claims Case
Woman Takes Honda to Small-Claims, Wins Big
Federal Insurance Office Says Overdue Regulation Report Still Weeks Away
