What is the primary purpose of floodplain management?

• A. To assess property values
• B. To promote building in flood-prone areas
• C. To map areas with high risk of flood
• D. To provide disaster recovery funds

Answer: (C)

The primary purpose of floodplain management is to map areas with high risk of flooding. This process involves identifying and delineating flood-prone areas, which is essential for effective planning and risk mitigation. By accurately mapping these areas, communities can implement strategies to reduce flood risks, guide development away from vulnerable zones, and ensure that the infrastructure is resilient to flooding events. Proper mapping allows for informed decision-making when it comes to zoning, land use planning, and disaster preparedness, ultimately contributing to the reduction of damages and losses during flood events.

The other options, while related to flood management, do not capture its primary purpose as effectively. Assessing property values is a function that may consider flood risk but does not directly focus on managing floodplain areas. Promoting building in flood-prone areas contradicts the goals of floodplain management, which aims to minimize such development to reduce risk. Providing disaster recovery funds is important for post-flood recovery but does not relate to the proactive management of floodplains to prevent damage in the first place.