FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH - Some of Duluth's most flood–damaged homes will soon be purchased by the city and torn down.

The decision stemmed from a $2.4 million grant agreement from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that was accepted at Monday's city council meeting.

The offer was presented to more than 20 homes that were considered complete losses after June's big flood, but the decision whether to sell will be left to the individual homeowner.

Duluth city councilor Jim Stauber said 10 homeowners have already agreed to the offer where the city would purchase the homes at their pre-flood values.

Stauber said the money will help fill a gap where assistance was lacking for private homeowners.

"It is something and the flood devastated many homes, many were damaged and there's not much the city or state is doing for those," Stauber said. "But those that are totally destroyed, this is an opportunity anyway."

Stauber said now that the agreement has been finalized, the city will likely move quickly with the purchasing and demolishing.