Analyzing floodplain policies using an interdependent land use allocation model

Abstract

A model is described that compares allocations of land uses in terms of aggregate economic rent, taking specific account of the interdependence between floodplain land uses and upstream land uses. Solution of this model by dynamic programming for the Hickory Creek watershed suggests that some restriction of land uses in the floodplain, but not for all subbasins, and some provision of detention, but not for all subbasins, is preferable to the results likely from implementation of typical policies for floodplain management. Determination of target land use patterns through allocation models that account for the interdependence may therefore be worthwhile if policy instruments can be developed so that such targets can be attained.