A new report says Suffolk County officials could use the power of eminent domain to acquire 41 oceanfront homes on Fire Island.

Suffolk officials tell Newsday that several homeowners are refusing federal buyouts, and they are standing in the way of a $162 million dune-building plan. The dune would act as a shield against future storms.

Homeowners are reportedly being offered the current value of their homes, not pre-Superstorm Sandy prices.

The county says it doesn't want to take the drastic step of using eminent domain, but it is prepared to do so if necessary, according to Newsday.