COLERAIN TOWNSHIP — After living in fear of floods for 35 years in their Amarillo Court home, Carol and Lawrence Partin have had enough.

        The latest floods on Amarillo came in early June, when heavy rains again nearly inundated several homes on the Partins' block.

        “I want to be like everybody else and have a nice home,” said Ms. Partin, 61, who hasn't re-floored her kitchen yet from the latest water damage. “My husband doesn't sleep at night. He is scared to death.”

        In hopes of easing the fear of rain for homeowners on Amarillo, Frank Birkenhauer, the assistant administrator for Colerain Township, said he is working to secure about $450,000 in grant money that would allow the township to either make repairs or acquire about seven houses on the block that have struggled with flooding.

        “Acquisition is usually more cost-effective,” Mr. Birkenhauer said, because “once you acquire the homes, you will no long have flood damage.”

        Over the years, flood damage has cost families thousands in repairs.

        Three cars, several couches and yards of carpeting have been among the many casualties, but irreplaceable keepsakes such as baby pictures are especially painful for the families that live on the cul-de-sac.

        “It all went down the river,” Ms. Partin said. “We can't replace that stuff.”

        The Partin family would be willing to sell the home that has caused them so much trouble over the past four decades, members said.

        But they remain skeptical.

        Colerain Township recently used grant money to buy out nine homes near the West Fork of the Mill Creek.

        Deborah Henson, 51, who has lived in her house on Amarillo for about eight years, said she wouldn't mind the township acquiring her house, if the price was right.

        “It really gets crazy around here,” said Ms. Henson, who lost a new car in a flood about four years ago. “We all watch (the rain) and worry.”

        Floods in early June kept Ms. Henson from leaving her house. She knew that if she tried to drive, she would be stuck.

        “All of the grass was covered,” she said. “You couldn't even see the fire hydrant out front.”

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