"It's been a long road for many of the families most affected by the floods. We've removed debris. We've re-opened roads. And we helped many citizens repair the damage they suffered. But we also always remembered that there were families here in Alstead, and in Acworth, Landon and Walpole, who couldn't rebuild. Who were paying mortgages on houses - and in some cases on land - that no longer existed," Gov. Lynch said.

"This legislation will not replace all that these families lost. Nothing could. But it is my hope that it will allow the hardest-hit families to move forward- to build new homes and to recover," he said.

Gov. Lynch signed the legislation, House Bill 1767, at the Alstead Fire Station, which served as the state's emergency operations center in the days after the October flooding. He was joined by affected families, local officials and lawmakers.

The legislation, House Bill 1767, allows 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 Department of Transportation will work with the affected families to purchase the properties.

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