Evaluating US Army Corps of Engineers Water Projects: Aiding Decisions with Cost-Benefit Analysis

Abstract

A class at the Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington focused on this project. Vano and Davis presented the class project, which examined the Army Corps of Engineers water projects. First, Vano and Davis will present an overview of benefit-cost analysis factors in water resource planning, federal water projects, Corps practices, Corps principles and guidelines, flood projects, and the Upper Mississippi Comprehensive Plan. General considerations included national vs. regional accounting, environmental quality, planning areas, public safety, and uncertainty and risk. Flood specific considerations include non-structural alternatives, treatment of risk, and development behind levees. Finally, Vano and Davis will highlight the process of benefit-cost analysis: how should the process be evaluated? How should climate change be included? When is benefit-cost analysis the appropriate tool?