Bowling Green, KY, July 29, 2025
News Summary
In response to severe flooding issues, Bowling Green, Kentucky has started a home buyout program aimed at purchasing houses in flood-prone areas. The initiative has already seen five homes bought, primarily located on Cave Mill Road. With a budget of $2.4 million, the city plans to demolish these homes to implement measures that will alleviate flooding challenges. Many local residents have expressed concern over recurring flood events that have caused significant damage to their properties. The city is exploring further acquisitions to better manage future flood risks.
Bowling Green, KY Initiates Home Buyouts to Combat Flooding Issues
Bowling Green, Kentucky, has initiated a home buyout program aimed at combatting ongoing flooding issues that have plagued the city. The program targets homes in flood-prone areas, with the city already purchasing five houses, primarily located on Cave Mill Road.
Residents like Jessica Jordan, from Brighton Avenue, are voicing their concerns as her neighborhood has experienced flooding multiple times over the last four years, including a severe event this past April. Another house in her vicinity reportedly faced an intense flooding incident, with approximately eight inches of water accumulating.
Public Works Director Andy Souza confirmed that the city evaluates the history of flooding for each property before extending buyout offers. The city plans to demolish acquired homes to permit the installation of trenches or pipes that would help alleviate flooding problems in those areas.
The city has allocated a total budget of $2.4 million for this initiative, with the current expenditure on buyouts reaching $1.9 million. A pricing calculator based on federal housing standards is utilized to determine fair market values for the homes targeted in these buyouts. According to reports, there is $500,000 remaining in the city’s budget for further acquisitions.
The increasing frequency and severity of flooding in Bowling Green was underscored by a state of emergency declaration from Mayor Todd Alcott on April 6, 2025, following significant flooding that affected multiple critical corridors, including Nashville Road, Louisville Road, and Russellville Road.
Flooding conditions also impacted numerous neighborhoods, such as Cave Mill Road, Brentwood Place, and the Greystone area. Although there have been no reported fatalities, the potential for substantial property damage remains high, with the storm sewer system and underlying cave system becoming overwhelmed.
Water levels in the Barren River and Drake’s Creek are at flood stage and expected to crest again. Residents have been warned that floodwaters might be contaminated with raw sewage, presenting significant health risks. Authorities have advised residents to steer clear of floodwaters and respect road barrier warnings.
The Bowling Green Fire Department has already conducted two water rescues during this flooding period. In response to the ongoing issues, a temporary emergency access road is under construction to assist residents who have been trapped in areas such as the Spring Lakes subdivision and KOA campground.
The declaration of emergency status may also enable the city to pursue reimbursement for damages through FEMA, a step that would provide additional resources for recovery efforts.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Bowling Green, KY |
| Homes Purchased | 5 (4 on Cave Mill Road) |
| Budget Allocated | $2.4 million |
| Current Expenditure | $1.9 million |
| Remaining Budget for Buyouts | $500,000 |
| Areas Impacted By Flooding | Nashville Road, Louisville Road, Russellville Road, Cave Mill Road, Brentwood Place, Greystone |
| Emergency Response | 2 water rescues conducted |
| Temporary Access Road | Under construction for trapped residents |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the home buyout program in Bowling Green?
The program aims to buy homes in flood-prone areas to mitigate flooding and allow city officials to implement preventative measures.
How many homes have been purchased so far?
As of now, the city has purchased five homes, four of which are located on Cave Mill Road.
What is the total budget allocated for the buyouts?
The Bowling Green city council has allocated a total of $2.4 million for the buyout program.
What areas have been most affected by flooding?
Flooding has significantly impacted Nashville Road, Louisville Road, Russellville Road, and various neighborhoods like Cave Mill Road, Brentwood Place, and Greystone.
What potential health risks are associated with the flooding?
Risks include contamination from raw sewage in floodwaters, posing serious health hazards to residents.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News 1: Bowling Green Purchases Houses for Flooding Relief
- Wikipedia: Flood
- WBKO: Bowling Green Residents Receive Emergency Access
- Google Search: Bowling Green Kentucky flooding
- BG Daily News: Bowling Green Declares State of Emergency
- Google Scholar: Bowling Green flooding
- WBKO: Bowling Green Declares State of Emergency
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding
- Spectrum News 1: Bowling Green Houses Affected by Floods
- Google News: Bowling Green Kentucky flood
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
