Abstract
Following severe flooding in 2008, three Iowa communities acquired over 1000 damaged properties to support disaster recovery and mitigation. This research applies a distributive justice framework to analyze the distribution of disaster recovery funds for property acquisition. Two research questions drive the analysis: (1) how does recovery vary by acquisition funding source; and (2) what is the relationship between recovery and vulnerable populations? Through spatial econometric modeling, relative recovery is compared between two federal programs that funded the acquisitions, and across socially vulnerable populations. The results indicate both distributive and temporal inequalities in the allocation of federal recovery funds. In particular, Latino and elderly populations were associated with lower recovery rates. Recommendations for future research in flood recovery and acquisitions are provided.
Highlights
In June 2008, the Midwestern U.S received over 12 inches of rainfall as several successive storm systems impacted the region [1]
At least one homeowner received 9% of the property value in federal dollars, while another homeowner received more than twice the federal dollars than the total value of their home (202%)
This research investigated the distribution of federal funds for property acquisitions in the recovery stage of a flood disaster
Summary
In June 2008, the Midwestern U.S received over 12 inches of rainfall as several successive storm systems impacted the region [1]. The heavy sustained rainfall fell on previously saturated land and increased the magnitude of the flood [2]. Following the 2008 flood, the Eastern Iowa cities of Cedar Rapids, Palo, and Iowa City were among several that used federal disaster funds to acquire nearly 1500 flood-affected properties. Federally-funded property acquisition has played an increasing role in the mitigation of, and recovery from U.S flood disasters [3,4]. As part of the acquisition process, homeowners voluntarily sell their flood-damaged properties at pre-flood market values. Federal programs for property acquisition include the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. Buyout programs provide an opportunity for individuals to recover by offering pre-flood market values for their flooded homes
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