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Dividing the world has never been an easy task, but there has always been one easy way to define a region-:-an irregular line can be drawn anywhere in the world on the basis of the direction a drop of water flows. -Robert W. Kates, Professor of Geography, Clark University tourism and recreational potential for basin floodplain areas. If this is the community's first mitigation project, a single-goal, small-study area might be best. This allows the community to develop expertise in mitigation planning, build commu- nity involvement and confidence for future projects, demonstrate the value of such projects for greater community goals, and establish a winning track record with grantor agencies. It's also a good idea to cover as much of the costs for initial projects with outside dollars until local agencies and donors feel comfortable with the community's ability to complete such projects. As your expertise grows with successive projects, larger study areas with multi-purpose goals become feasible. This type of project might encompass reducing flood losses, enhancing tourism facilities and developing the economy. As the complexity increases, the dollar investment, span of control, degree of coordination. time commitments and inter- personal conflicts also increase. Lastly, a comprehensive approach views the entire river corridor or watershed as an interre- lated environment. This approach satisfies many needs by using a long-range planning philosophy. A management plan for the river system often results from this broad-based effort. By involving all interests, resources and issues, you are addressing all user needs and environmental concerns in a single, comprehen- sive document. Of course, you are also com- pounding the coordination and conciliation tasks. This type of planning effort is a worthy, . , long-term goal. but may not be practical for many small communities with limited flood- plain issues. "Now that I have more detailed information on the level of flood risks in my community, what is the next step"? With the information in hand, do the analysis. After analyzing the initial information, make the public aware of what you've learned and ask for their feedback. Appoint citizens to a fact- finding or analysis committee. Public meetings. nominal groups, key informant interviews, brainstorming sessions or a coordinated media campaign are other methods. A flood problem outline with a list of alternative solutions could be mailed or given to residents at meetings. Revisiting and redefining goals You identified goals, policies and objectives in section two. Most likely a number of goals- mitigating property damage, promoting e90- nomic development, expanding open space, protecting life and health-were identified. Now that you have more detailed information related to your flood problem and have obtained additional input from your citizens, have your goals and objectives changed? You may wish to revisit these goals and make a few adjustments. Prioritizing goals The new information you've gathered is useful for prioritizing goals. How do you prioritize goals? You can start by asking some basic questions about each project: ,/ who (affected parties), ,/ what (scope and details of the plan), ,/ where (areas affected), ,/ when (feasible starting dates, completion deadlines), ,/ why (costs and benefits for affected parties), and ,/ how (implementalion oplions). 44 COM~UNITY FLOOD MITIGATION PLANNING GUIDEBOOK