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I. I I ~ l ment levels and the public at large, including: . Reducing loss of life, injury and hardship due to floods. . Reducing flood damages. . Reducing public expenditures for construction of flood control works, emergency action, and post-disaster assistance. . Preserving and enhancing natural floodplain values with their attendent benefits of groundwater recharge, moderation of floods, water quality improvement, and reduced erosion and sedimentation. Use of a broad range of flood- plain management tools instead of relying solely on traditional flood control works is also advantageous because it leaves many options open for responding to future needs. The large fixed investments for dams and other structures tend to preclude making changes to adjust to unforeseen future conditions. Local governments share in these broad benefits of floodplain manage- ment. They realize additional benefits of special local value, including: . A greater role in decisionmaking about floodplain use and protection. . The flexibility to management efforts problems and needs. tailor floodplain to meet local . An opportunity to coordinate all local activities taking place on or related to the floodplain including those for housing, business, industry, transportation, recreation and other purposes. The initial cost for a comprehen- sive floodplain management program 1S often modest. In many cases, some of the local share of program costs can be provided in the form of services. Making the Shift The floodplain management approach is firmly established on the federal level by a series of legisla- tive acts and executive orders. Most of them also provide encouragement or assistance to state governments, local governments and individuals in adopting sound, workable floodplain management practices and programs. Federal Actions Among the most important federal actions implementing the floodplain management approach are the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (as amended), the Water Resources Develop- ment Act of 1974, the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, and the Principles, Standards and Procedures for Water and Related Land Resources Planning. National Flood Insurance Act The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( Title XIII of Public Law 90-448 Public Law 93-234, Public Law 95-128\ provides for identifying the more serious flood hazard areas in the nation and for a program whereby resi- dents in those areas can purchase insurance against flood losses if the community participates in the program. Communi ties must regulate floodplain development to be eligible for partici- pation. The federal government heavily subsidizes insurance costs to make premium rates affordable. Also, federal grants, loans and other financial assistance are denied in flood hazard areas of non-participating communities. In addition, the program provides assistance in hazard mitigation includ- ing relocation of severely or repeti- tively damaged structures. Water Resources Development Act Section 73 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-251) directs federal agencies to consider the full range of potentially useful measures in all projects involv- ing reduction of flood losses. It also 7.1