Analyze the Grand Forks flood mitigation Cost and Benefits explained in chart below and determine if benefits outweighed the cost.
Grand Forks, ND: Flood Mitigation COSTS & BENEFITS COST: $409 million was spent on flood mitigation efforts in the Grand Forks area
$22 million alone was spent on the Greater Grand Forks Greenway.
BENEFIT: The city's flood mitigation techniques were tested in 2009 and 2011 when the Red River again rose to dramatic levels, but the city experienced NO flood damage, unlike 1997 flood damages of $1.5 Billion.
A. The benefits of flood mitigation were greater than the costs
B. The costs of flood mitigation efforts were more than the benefits
C. No comparisons can be made
A. The benefits of flood mitigation were greater than the costs
In this case, the benefits clearly outweighed the costs as the city of Grand Forks experienced no flood damage during severe flooding events in 2009 and 2011, saving billions of dollars in potential damages. The initial cost of $409 million, which included $22 million on the Greenway alone, was a worthwhile investment in preventing future disaster and protecting the city from costly flood damages.