Jim Planck writes in The Daily Mail owners of catastrophically damaged properties in Catskill can now qualify to participate in a federally funded buyout program as the result of action taken by the Greene County Legislature. The program allows owners of property irreparably damaged during last summer’s tropical storms to sell their property to the Town of Catskill for up to 75 percent of its appraised value. The property title is transferred to the town and must remain as open space or park land. Catskill Councilman Kevin Lennon said 13 sites potentially qualify. The program was designed to relocate people from flood-prone areas. The Greene County Economic Development, Tourism and Planning, and the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District will administer the flood-prone property acquisition program. Funding is through the federal Hazard Mitigation Grants Program. Applications are available at the town hall, and must be completed and received by Greene County Soil and Water by Thurs., Feb. 23. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.