Economic Model for Urban Watersheds

Urban flooding and drainage problems are the result of complex interactions between natural and man-made systems. Comprehensive analysis of the hydrologic and economic characteristics of these problems often require the use of computer techniques and models. An economic computer model was developed for the Columbus, Ga. Storm Water Management Program which is capable of analyzing the costs and benefits associated with different structural and nonstructural flood mitigation measures. Four structural measures (detention storage, channelization, flood walls, and levees) and four nonstructural measures (land use restrictions, relocation, flood proofing, and flood warning) are included in the model. Benefit and cost algorithms used in the model are presented along with output showing the results of a typical analysis.