There will be no property buyouts for those on Smith Island from the $8.6 million Hurricane Sandy recovery money.
The Somerset County commissioners agreed to eliminate it as an option.
John Del Duco is with Smith Island United, an organization that is seeking fair treatment, when it comes to federal money from the county’s Community Development Block grant funds.
He said that his group agrees with the decision by the commissioners.
However, county officials say their request for Smith Island property owners to get access to housing rehabilitation funds has been approved by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
The Salisbury Daily Times reports that county planning director Gary Pusey says the owners of 8 out of the 9 houses damaged by the storm will be able to apply for the money.
He said there has been no discussion on how to reallocate the $2 million that had been meant for the voluntary buyouts on the island which could now go toward housing rehabilitation.
The Somerset County Long Term Recovery Committee is also seeking changes in the recovery plan which contains $1 million for economic development from state officials.
