The city of Austin could acquire one more property in the downtown flood plain: The Salvation Army of Austin lot.

City and Salvation Army officials confirmed Friday the two sides were in preliminary talks to sell the Salvation Army buildings and property to the city of Austin through its flood acquisition program.

The Salvation Army first approached the city last summer about selling the property, according to City Administrator Craig Clark.

A subsequent land appraisal found the Salvation Army’s two buildings and lot are worth about $900,000.

The city is waiting on a request for matching funding from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before moving forward with the deal.

Lt. David Amick of the Salvation Army said the sale stems in part from the Salvation Army’s continued presence in a flood plain. Though the Austin location hasn’t been affected by a flood in some time, Salvation Army officials hope to relocate within the city in a better spot.

“It’ll give us more potential for growth,” he said.

The city expects to hear back from the DNR this summer, according to Clark.