There are 63 homes in the Williamson Creek flood plain the city of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department would like to acquire, but there are not enough funds to do so.

The department gave a presentation to City Council’s Open Space and Environment committee Dec. 3 explaining that there are funds to acquire 38 properties approved by council in June, but there are still 25 properties the department plans to ask for authorization on acquiring.

About $1 million is needed in addition to the current $16.85 million. The current balance should pay for the cost of the 38 approved properties, said Mapi Vigil, managing engineer of the watershed department.

As of Dec. 4, four buyout offers had been made, and two were accepted.

During the Dec. 3 meeting, District 2 Council Member Delia Garza noted the buyout program is voluntary, and many residents in the area will likely want to remain in their homes.