COMMERCE -- Property owners who live in flood plains areas now have a new alternative following a flood.

"They can sell their property to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) if they pass certain criteria," said Ed Lecius of FEMA. "Then, they can rebuild on higher ground."

Lecius was one of more than a dozen representatives from various disaster assistance agencies who met with Commerce-area citizens to explain what assistance is available and how to go about receiving that assistance.

More than 80 residents were on hand for the 2 p.m. session, held at the Methodist Church here Tuesday.

"We wanted an opportunity to enlighten people on what is available for flood victims," said Glenn Green, emergency coordinator of Scott County, who arranged the meeting.

The FEMA purchase of flood-damaged property was one of the primary topics discussed.

"In the past, property owners generally only had two alternatives following a flood," said Lecius. "They had to abandon their flood-damaged homes or repair them. Now, FEMA provides a new option."

Lecius explained that through Section 1362 of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) FEMA could purchase the flood-damaged property, providing the owners a chance to relocate in nonflood-prone areas.

There are, however, some eligibility factors, added Lecius.

"In every case, the property owner must have a flood insurance policy in force when the damage occurs," he said. "In addition, the damaged structure must have been damaged 50 percent or more of its value, or beyond repair to its preflood condition."

Community cooperation is also a necessity.

"A community agreement is adopted in which the community agrees to accept title to the purchase property and manage it for open-space or non-development purposes," said Lecius. "After all, this does take the property off the tax roles."

Once a community agrees, property owners again have two options: they can sell the land and buildings to FEMA for transfer to the community, or sell the land and retain ownership of the buildings by moving them to another location.

"All property owners don't have to sell," said Lecius. "A community agreement does not obligate the owner to sell."

If an owner does want to sell, FEMA makes an offer based on an appraised value. The owner may request a counter-offer. Once an agreement is reached, closing will take place about four to eight weeks after a purchase agreement is signed.

Among other disaster programs discussed Tuesday were emergency assistance, disaster housing assistance, disaster food stamps, farm assistance and low-interest disaster loans.

One of the first things to do is contact FEMA, said Lecius.

"The closest assistance center we have now is located at Ste. Genevieve," he said. "But people can call the disaster information hotline at 1-800-853-3362."

It takes about a week to process the application, and "people will be contacted at that time." Lecius urged people in need of emergency assistance food, clothing, shelter, medical to contact the American Red Cross or Salvation Army.

Water is being provided to residents of Commerce by the National Guard.

"We have a 500-gallon tank here," said one guard member. "We clean and refill the tank every day. Some of the residents are still using their own water. But, if we run out, we can refill it quickly."

Water is being brought in from Benton.

Representatives from U.S. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond and U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson were in attendance at the meeting. Also present was Missouri Sen. Peter Kinder.

"I'm here to listen and learn," said Kinder. "I'll be meeting with Gov. Mel Carnahan, his cabinet, and state legislators Saturday to see what kind of assistance will be available for area residents."