Flooded Salem United Methodist Church approved for buyout

The congregation of Salem United Methodist Church has qualified for a $700,000 buyout of its three properties from the city of Cedar Rapids.

The church at 225 First Ave. SW was heavily damaged by floodwaters last year. Water filled the basement and most of the sanctuary of the church and annex building.

Salem's pastor, the Rev. John Louk, said church leaders have signed the paperwork announcing the congregation's intent to participate in the buyout, but he said the congregation can back out at any time. Because of the structure of the United Methodist Church, the decision must go through district and state approval before the local congregation can vote on participation, but Louk said a notice of intent had to be signed by Wednesday.

He said he's not sure when any buyout money would arrive.

Funding sources for the buyout program have not yet been confirmed, said Jennifer Pratt, the city's development coordinator. She said the city hopes to have approval for both a Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation grant program and a Community Development Block Grant funding program by next month.

Pratt said the buyout process will happen in stages. The first to receive purchase offers will be those in owner-occupied homes, followed by rental properties.

Commercial properties, including churches, will be next.

Once the funding is confirmed, she said, the process should take about four months for each property.