Using Multi-Objective Management to Reduce Flood Losses in Your

Will it comply with all local, state, and federal regulations
Does it have a beneficial or at least neutral impact on the environment
In some cases, answers will not be readily available−especially when a large
structural project is being considered. Questions about technical matters or the
details of agency programs should be directed to experts from the agencies or
organizations.
Funding
Money is often the most important issue in reviewing alternatives. Two questions
arise: “Is the project worth the expense” and “Where can we get the money”
Questions about the value of benefits gain significance as the cost goes up.
In these cases, you may need an additional, more detailed analysis before you can
recommend something. Your plan could recommend conducting a benefit-cost
analysis before deciding on a project or you could condition your recommendation
on the availability of funding.
Two documents about comparing benefits and costs are the Corps’ Flood
Proofing−How to Evaluate Your Options and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency’s computer software Benefit/Cost Analysis of Hazard Mitigation Projects.
The latter is not only helpful, but also the Federal Emergency Management
Agency uses it to determine if a project should be funded under several of its
programs. Remember that an economic review of benefits and costs or a system
used by one agency should not be the sole determinant of whether a project is
right for your situation.
Sources of funding
Where can you get the money This is where agencies and organizations can be of
great assistance. There are literally hundreds of public and private programs that
can help pay for worthy projects. They usually have several prerequisites, such as
a written plan, a budget, and an explanation of the benefits−items that should be
part of your M-O-M plan anyway.
Start by talking to the agencies listed at the end of each section in Chapters
3 and 4 and checking the M.O.M. Resource Directory. One project can be funded
by several different parties, each of which is serving one or more goals. Often,
they can fund only a part of the project and they give precedence to those projects
that have other sources of funding. In other words, they want their money to go
furthest, so they will support multi-objective projects. Every M-O-M Success
Story in this guidebook was partially funded by several different outside sources.
Don’t forget local sources. Businesses and organizations will frequently
support projects that benefit their customers, employees, or members or that make
for good advertising. Lots of projects can be direct financial benefits. For
example, why should a business build a lunch room for its staff if it can have a
picnic area across the street
And don’t forget “in-kind services.” You may not need cash to get some
things done. Instead of paying for park maintenance, why not have a service
organization maintain the area with volunteers Often, in-kind services can be
counted toward the local share needed to match an outside source of funds.
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