HANNIBAL -- The city of Hannibal is taking the next step in the federal government flood buyout program.

There are 49 residential properties and 12 commercial properties that may qualify for the buyout.

If approved, it would be similar to the buyout here on South Main Street following the flood of 1993.

There are a couple of special hearings scheduled Tuesday night in front of the city council about the program.

City Manager Jeff LaGarce tells KHQA, the public hearings are basically a formality for the government.

If the council approves two resolutions to move forward, it shows the federal government the city is on board.

LaGarce also says the council will be asked to form a three person committee tonight to establish some priorities for the flood buy out program.

"We're probably not going to be able to buy out every single property, so we'd like to establish some priorities so we can make the biggest impact with this buyout project," says LaGarce.

LaGarce says, he'd like to submit the applications for the grant money within the next month.