The El Paso City Council approved the purchase of 15 homes in the Mowad subdivision Wednesday, at a total cost of $1.5 million. During the meeting, council ratified 13 contracts for the acquisition of homes severely damaged by the 2006 Floods in August.

"Our goal is to get those families moved out, into new housing as expeditiously as possible," Mayor John Cook said.

Maria Saldivar and her family still live in Mowad, despite being without utilities. While most of her neighbors have gone, Saldivar has chosen to remain, but plans on leaving soon to participate in the buyout program.

"I don't think it's fair. I want to stay, but I have no choice. We have to take the city's offer," Saldivar said.

Replacing the remaining 40 homes in the Mowad Subdivision, along with those on Saipan Place and Fiesta Drive, is expected to cost the city about $10 million.

The city also announced it's counter-suing seven homeowners who have filed suit against the city. City representatives said the homeowners who want to stay are in danger living in a flood zone and the city will try to use eminent domain to take their property.

Demolition of the homes on Moward is scheduled to start Thursday morning.