Laserfiche WebLink
<br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />A Primer for Hosting Buyout Workshops <br /> <br />Page 5 <br /> <br />Mitigation Grant Program) was just now being considered and no one knew with any <br />certainty whether or not it would become law, and what impact it would have. In addition, <br />while the congressional supplemental appropriations for the Midwest flood recovery added <br />$17.1 million through the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community <br />Development Block Grant and HOME programs, there was confusion and contradiction <br />regarding what the funds could be used for. Before proceeding, Iowa wanted to be certain <br />that this effort would promote solutions. <br /> <br />Second, Iowa was concerned with the growing perception within the state that government <br />buyout proponents were a radical environmental element, a fringe group that wanted to <br />tear down levees, impede agricultural land uses, and stop river barge traffic. <br /> <br />Iowa officials agreed, however, that the buyout workshop was a valid and admirable <br />recovery goal. With their concerns addressed, the Federal Coordinating Officer provided <br />assurance that the workshops would take an approach that would neither foster false hopes <br />or demand anything other than voluntary participation. With these agreements, Iowa <br />became a willing partner in the workshop sponsorship. <br /> <br />It is important for workshop planners to recognize that buyout programs oftentimes can <br />be perceived as an easy solution to a complex problem. Workshop planners need to convey <br />to workshop participants that the buyout process can sometimes be a lengthy and frustrating <br />process and they should not assume that it provides an automatic and quick solution. <br /> <br />FUNDING COMMITMENT <br /> <br />Objective <br />In order to establish the foundation for conducting a workshop, there must be an early <br />commitment from one or any number of sponsors to provide funding sufficient to conduct <br />the workshop. <br /> <br />Funding Suggestions <br />Funds can come from a variety of sources, or a combination of many. Funds can come <br />from voluntary agencies active in disaster, private interests, and local, state, and federal <br />government agencies. Funding is critical to pay for up-front workshop expenses such as <br />advertising, invitations, on-site arrangements, and a support staff. Funds can be raised to <br />