Post on 29-Dec-2015
Cost of Effective Analysis of Hazard Mitigation Projects
Benjamin F. BobzienFaculty Sponsor: Dr. Robert Berry
Western Carolina UniversityResearch Project
IntroductionBenjamin F. Bobzien
Father
Husband
Fire Captain
Student
Fiscal Impact of DisastersFiscal Impact
Response and Recovery
Increase in Financial NeedAmount of DisastersPopulation IncreaseHigh Hazard Area
Development
What Can Be Done to Reduce Fiscal Impact?
Natural Hazard Mitigation
DefinedWho can perform
NHM?
Governments/Private Organizations
Individuals Homeowners Business-owners
Methodology of ResearchWhat was learned through the research of
NHM?Information was broadTwo common pieces of information
Must determine the cost/effectiveness of the project Must determine the benefits though a Benefit/Cost
AnalysisCost associated with the projects
Direct Costs Indirect Costs
Funding Opportunities
Cost-Effective Analysis Early Determination
Robert T. Stafford ActDisaster
DeclarationsHazard MitigationFederal Funding
Options
Stewards of Tax Dollars
Cost-Effective AnalysisWhich Projects are Chosen?
Benefits>Costs
Difference Between Cost-Effective Analysis and Benefit/Cost Analysis Qualitative/Quantitative
Benefit/Cost AnalysisRequired by the Stafford
Act
Will the benefits exceed the project’s cost (monetary)?
Costs and benefits in dollar amounts
Ratio>1 means benefits exceed
the costs>1 eligible for federal
funding
Benefits of MitigationReduction or elimination of effects of
disastersFewer deaths and injuriesFewer properties damaged or lostReduced personnel costs relating to disaster
responseLess impediment of commerceSaving historic structuresProtecting infrastructure
Cost of MitigationCosts are determined in the planning phaseDirect Costs
Project DevelopmentLaborConstruction materialsEquipmentSub-ContractorsDemolition/debris removal
May require the use of public or private funding
Cost of MitigationIndirect Costs
OperationMaintenanceManagementRe-evaluation
Simple/Low Cost ProjectsClearing debris/creating defensible spacesInitiating new codes and ordinancesMinor adjustments to existing structures
Federal funding options available
Federal Funding OptionsPrograms and grants to offset
the monetary burdenPrograms include:
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
Repetitive Flood Claims Program
Severe Repetitive Loss Program
Detailed view of the programs
Cost SharingCommon with all hazard mitigation programsShared between federal and non-federal
fundingShared funds must be applied to specific and
approved itemsNon-federal costs should be reasonable and
necessaryMost call for 75% federal/25% non-federal
matchFEMA reserves the right to adjust the
percentages
Failure to MitigateSetting up for higher
risks and the effects of disasters
Lives are lost
Injuries are frequent
Buildings are damaged and destroyed
Infrastructure is damaged
Failure to MitigateCommerce is delayed
Very high cost for response and recovery
Distress and psychological impacts
Loss of jobs
Outward migration of the population
Current Mitigation ProjectsCarolina Beach, NCAwarded $1,074,899.00
from FEMA 100% federally funded,
no matchingUsed to raise 7 homes in
a 100-year flood plainPrevious Grants
1996 HMGP after Hurricane Fran
2008 Severe Repetitive Loss Program
Conclusion
Works CitedFederal Emergency Management Agency. (1997). Report on Costs and Benefits of
Natural Hazard Mitigation. Washington, D.C.: FEMA. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/media- library/assets/documents/3459
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2001). Telling the Tale of Disaster Resistance-A Guide to Capturing and Communicating the Story. Washington, D.C.: FEMA.
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2009). Benefit Cost Analysis Guide. Washington, D.C.: FEMA. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/92923
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2013). Hazard Mitigation Assistance Unified Guidance. Washington, D.C.: FEMA. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/media- library/assets/documents/33634
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2014). Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Washington, D.C.: FEMA. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program
Oregon Partnership for Disaster Resilience. (2012). Appendix C: Econominc Analysis of Natural Hazard Mitigation Programs. Beaverton. Retrieved from www.beavertonoregon.gov
United States General Accounting Office. (1999). Disaster Assistance-Information of the Cost-Effectiveness of Hazard Mitigation Projects. Washington, D.C.
Weiss, D. J., & Weidman, J. (2013, April 29). Disasterous Spending: Federal Disaster Relief Expenditures Rise Amid More Extreme Weather. Retrieved from Center for Amercian Progress: https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/report/2013/04/29/61633/disastrous-spending-federal-disaster-relief-expenditures-rise-amid-more-extreme-weather/