Finally, relief is on its way.

After about three years of waiting for federal funding to come through, the properties in Austin’s flood-prone areas will be able to be purchased by the city.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency released $2.6 million in flood aid, U.S. Rep. Gil Gutknecht announced Wednesday.

Officials predict buyouts could starts as soon as a month from now.

The FEMA grant, along with $2 million from the state and $1 million set aside by the city for the buyouts, will help buy the properties that are most affected by flooding.

This is a positive step in helping those who have suffered through one or more floods at their homes in Austin.

The properties will become green space and park area in town. The buyouts may even save the city on sewer costs by removing some sewer mains.

Unfortunately the aid will not be able to buyout all of the properties the city would like to. There are 79 homes that are at risk for more flooding, but not all of those residents will be able to benefit from the funding.

But all of the city, state and government officials who have pursued this aid should be congratulated. Setbacks and uncertainties were very much a part of trying to secure this funding, yet those agencies resolved to find relief for those living in Austin's flood plains.

We hope the buyouts are able to move as quickly as possible from here on out. Austin has been lucky not to suffer any flooding since.

Now that aid is on its way, we hope Austin is able to help these residents before another disaster strikes.