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<br />)~~::J:C: ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, INC. <br /> <br />Mr. l. Scott Tucker <br />July 11, 1973 - DG 855/73 <br />Page Four <br /> <br />Economic Analysis <br /> <br />We have evaluated the effectiveness of these alternatives by comparing them. <br />with the 'do-nothing' alternative, not by the so-called 'benefit-cost' ratio, but by <br />estimating the average annual costs of each alternative. We believe that this method <br />is better for flood control projects, because there really are no 'benefits', but only <br />costs, and the objective is to make the costs as small as possible. This approach is <br />much easier to explain and lends itself well to the accounting stance which must be <br />adopted when a proj ect is financed. <br /> <br />Consequently, Table V-4 in the report shows the average annual damages, the <br />operation and maintenance cost, and the annual equivalent of the construction cost for <br />each alternative. As shown in the table, the damages and 0 & M for the 'do-nothing' <br />alternative are high, while the construction cost is zero, because nothing is constructed. <br />Each of the other alternatives, however, shows reductions in damages and 0 & M, but <br />an increase in the construction component. <br /> <br />It is the sum of these costs that must be borne by the people in the community. <br />The sum, in eachCcise, is the cost of flooding in the Niver Creek basin, and the analysis <br />shows that even with the uncertainties inherent in any estimating procedure, the annual <br />flood tariff will be much less with the improvements recommended under Alternative C. <br />As shown, the annual costs for the 'do-nothing' alternative, composed of damages and <br />o & M, would be $416,000, while the Alternative C costs, designed for a 100-year <br />flood would only be $79,000 per year. <br /> <br />Conclusion <br /> <br />Our studi es show that the detention ponds and structural improvements summarized <br />above and described in this report will be very effective and economical in reducing flood <br />damage in the Niver Creek Basin. These improvements will be compatible with the work <br />now under consideration by Adams County in the York Street-Steele Street reach and <br />will make that work even more effective. <br /> <br />The legal analysis of the alternatives, as stipulated by our contract, is under way. <br />This specialized work is being carried out by Attorney Phillip Roan; his report will be sub- <br />mitted under separate cover after the detailed legal research and analysis is completed. <br /> <br />A PLANNING RESEARCH CORPORATION COMPANY <br />