IOWA CITY - The government looks at flood plains to help determine who gets a buyout. People living in the 100 year flood plain are much more likely to receive a buyout than people living in the 500 year flood plain, even if the difference is no more than a neighborhood street. Apparently, not all flood victims are created equal

When Linda Campion first got into her flooded home she wanted a buyout. She said, "Absolutely. I would have at that point taken the money and run fast."

Like most of her neighbors in the Parkview Terrace Neighborhood, Campion was surprised to see three feet of water in her home. And like most of her neighbors living on streets other than Normandy Drive, she is not likely to get a buyout. FEMA Flood Plain Management Gloria Prince said, "The priorities are going to go with the properties in the 100 year flood plain because they're more at risk."

Campion lives in the 500 year flood plain. She never expected a flood to float through her door. But buyout money is spent to minimize future damage, which means people in the 100 year flood plain. Campion said, "I don't like how it is, but I understand why they would pick those and eliminate those houses and not have them flooded all the time."

In 1993 the water only made it to the street. Homeowners were told the water would never get into their houses. We know how that turned out. Now there is very little hope for financial help. Campion said, "We're in a real tough spot because it doesn't make sense to leave it forever and it doesn't make sense to rebuild and the buyout is not going to happen."

For the time being, Campion can only take small steps and wait for final answers.

Email Steve Nicoles at Steve.Nicoles@kcrg.com