CANTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is seeking comments on a plan to demolish up to 14 homes in the flood plains of the Androscoggin River and Whitney Brook.

More than 80 homes, as well as the school, municipal complex and other structures, have been flooded relatively often as a result of ice jams on the river and brook. The last major flooding took place in December 2003 when more than $2 million in damage was reported.

The proposed action is to acquire and demolish up to 14 of the highest priority structures. That land would then be used to restore wetland stream buffers and to eventually provide recreational and educational opportunities for town residents.

Homes targeted for the first round of demolition and removal are along sections of Cross Street, Route 108 and Route 140.

The Special Projects Committee has already received a $400,000 federal grant to begin the project.

Diane Ray, a member of that committee, has estimated the cost of moving the village over the next few years at about $12 million. The town’s Comprehensive Plan Committee had already recommended moving the village to a higher section of Route 108 before the most recent flooding occurred.

If all works out as planned under the draft environmental plan, acquisition of properties could start within six months. Wetlands restoration would then begin within one year of acquisition. In later years, bird sanctuary and wildlife protection zones are proposed, as are the development of trails, picnic areas and a rest stop.

Copies of the draft environmental assessment report are available for review at the Canton Town Office, Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments in Auburn and Maine Emergency Management Agency in Augusta.

All comments and issues should be submitted by Nov. 28 to Department of Homeland Security, FEMA Region 1, Attention: William Kennedy, 99 High St., Sixth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-2320.