Twice in ten months residents of Gays Mills, Wisconsin have dealt with devastating floods. Now they must decide if they can save their historic 160-year-old town, or abandon it for higher ground.   

Last September flood waters consumed most of the scenic downtown area, forcing businesses and residents into costly rebuilding or remodeling efforts. Some pondered relocating Gays Mills, but most residents were certain a flood of that caliber wouldn’t return for another 150 years.

However last month flash floods just as fierce took another toll on Gays Mills. Costly rebuilding efforts from the last flood proved futile as most of the downtown area suffered severe damage.  Now more residents are asking if they should relocate their town or risk continued devastation.

Those in favor of moving the Gays Mills argue that if people don’t move, the town will die. They fear businesses won’t be able to afford flood repair or insurance for such a risk, and new homebuyers won’t chance the dangerous flood waters.

Those that want to stay insist that moving the town is simply too expensive, and the community will split apart because many residents won’t be able to afford a new lot.

While U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-La Crosse) promised to look into federal funding options, no guaranteed financial help has been granted to all residents who need to relocate.

Last week I took a trip to Gays Mills to get the story straight from residents and local business owners. Check out this  video  to see what they had to say.