William J. Kemble reports in the Daily Freeman the town of Catskill has agreed to participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s buyout program for property owners in flood-prone areas. At a Town Board meeting Tues., Mar. 5, officials said buyout applications have been submitted by nine homeowners. The program was established in response to damage from Tropical Storms Irene and Lee in 2011. Under the program the properties in question would become town property and come off the tax rolls. Federal funding will cover 75 percent the cost of paying pre-flood market value, appraisals, demolition and site restoration. The remaining 25 percent will be come from in-kind services provided by the town, county, or property owner. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.