Houses in flood plains have options

BATTLE GROUND, Ind. (WLFI) - A re-written ordinance is allowing houses built in flood plains to be raised with the help of a contractor. Contractor Darrin Lambert is helping to get one homeowner at a time out of the flood plain on Goldsberry road in Battle Ground.

"These are peoples homes. This is where they want to stay at. What's funny is these people that live on the river, they love the river and they don't want to move," said Lambert. 

Lambert added, when he started helping families in Tippecanoe County it was an uphill battle.

"They made an ordinance to where 'Okay, we're going to make it okay for you to lift, but you're going to have to follow some very strict rules.' And their rules actually exceed what the Indiana Department of Natural Resources are," said Lambert.

But at a recent county commissioners meeting, a new definition to the ordinance was approved, allowing Lambert to continue his work.

"The commissioners, your county commissioners and your building commission is completely behind the residents here," said Lambert.

Lambert is making changes for the homeowners with the assistance of a grant.

"It's an I.C.C grant. It came in with Katrina. It's called Increase Cost Compliance and what that is, is a national flood insurance program. They're offering a grant basically $30,000 through your insurance. If you are insured and you are in a flood plain you are eligible for that grant," said Lambert. 

He said the finished project will look like an above-ground basement. As for the house value, he said it will go up along with the house.

"As far as it taking off it will. I've had just in the work we've done here six individuals, six separate homeowners come to me and ask me to come down and give them bids," said Lambert.