"This assistance is critical to helping some of our hardest-hit families recover from the devastation of the floods. These families saw their homes washed away; in some cases even the very land where their houses once stood is gone. They are paying mortgages on properties that no longer exist," Gov. Lynch said.

The legislation, House Bill 1767, would allow the state to purchase property located in Alstead, Acworth, Langdon and Walpole that was severely damaged or destroyed by the floods. The property would be purchased at pre-flood assessed value minus the total amount of financial aid the property owner received from any other such as federal disaster aid or insurance payments. No property owner would be required to sell.

The legislation is sponsored by Representatives Dan Eaton, Jay Phinizy, Jack Pratt, Liz Hager, Deborah Hogancamp, and Sen. Bob Odell.