Lincoln County’s voluntary property buyout program, launched in March to assist homeowners affected by wildfires and flooding, has completed two property purchases while navigating complex requirements.
RUIDOSO, N.M. —
Lincoln County’s voluntary property buyout program, introduced in March to help homeowners impacted by wildfires and flooding, has seen 366 properties signed up, with 264 deemed eligible, but only two purchases completed so far.
“We’ve received back 136 appraisals. And of those 136, we’ve deemed 51 of them have been reviewed and approved,” said Lincoln County Manager Jason Burns.
While progress has been slow, Burns highlighted the program’s significance. “We’re showing what I feel [is] significant progress. We’re gaining steam as we roll. And, you know, that’s another thing that, you know, really folks need to understand is this program today that we’re implementing is the first of its kind,” he said.
The county is working through environmental reviews, property title clearances, and federal funding requirements, all necessary steps before additional property sales can be finalized. Some homeowners have expressed frustration with the wait.
“We’re working towards it. It’s not that this is something we’ve put on the back burner. This is still a front-burner project. This is something we are moving forward aggressively,” Burns said.
Once purchased, the land can no longer be developed, with plans to turn flood-prone areas into open spaces for flood mitigation or recreational use.
“That’s what we’re hoping is that we could turn something that’s a negative into hopefully a positive,” Burns said.
While the program offers residents the option to leave flood-prone areas, the county’s goal is to support those who want to stay.
“The disaster after disaster, it does wear you down. But I think the folks that are here are strong and want to stay here, and that’s, you know, a good reason why we brought this program here because we want them to stay in Lincoln County,” Burns said.
Burns added that more buyout offers could be made as early as this week, with the county continuing efforts to finalize additional property sales.
Link to the buyout page here: https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/ewp-buyout-program
