Question

Use the table to answer the question.

A town is considering adopting a flood mitigation strategy. The results of its study are shown in the table below.

Criteria Building Flood Diversion Channels Elevating Buildings in the Floodplain
Time required
3 years
5 years
Initial cost $20 million
$55 million
Annual maintenance costs
$10,000 $1,000
Number of residents displaced
250
40
Which of the following statements provides the best analysis of the data?

(1 point)

The town should elevate buildings in the flood plain because the maintenance costs are lower.

The town should build the diversion channels because this option will displace fewer people.

The town should build the diversion channels because this option is more cost-efficient.

The town should elevate buildings in the flood plain because the work will be completed sooner.

Answer 1

The town should build the diversion channels because this option is more cost-efficient.

Reason: the diversion channels cost $20 million initially (vs $55 million to elevate) and take 3 years (vs 5 years), with only slightly higher annual maintenance ($10,000 vs $1,000). Although it displaces more residents (250 vs 40), it is the less expensive and quicker option overall.