The Economic Aspects of Flood Control

Engineers are guided largely by the principles of economics. Rigid rules are followed to test the economic worthiness of buildings, bridges, dams, railways, etc., before capital is called upon to make the projects possible. Heretofore, proposals for flood protection have been subjected to the same rigid analysis. Measurable direct damage is estimated and tabulated. To this is added some evaluation of the indirect damages that cannot be definitely determined. From this, the average annual damages incurred within and without the flooded areas, are determined. If the return on capital to be invested in protective works, plus depreciation, maintenance, and operating expenses, is less than the average annual damages sustained, the proposed project is considered to be on a sound economic basis.