Living in "Flash Flood Alley": Describing Citizen Awareness and Satisfaction Regarding Flood Hazard Mitigation Programs in Austin, Texas

Abstract

This paper describes citizen awareness of and satisfaction with flood hazard mitigation strategies implemented by the municipal government of Austin, Texas. Nearly four thousand self-administered questionnaires were mailed to two samples of randomly-selected addresses, one representing Austin residents as a whole and one representing Austin residents in the floodplain. The questionnaire focuses on four categories of flood mitigation strategies that affect the general public: (1) floodplain maps (and associated regulations), (2) stormwater control structures, (3) awareness campaigns, and (4) flood warning systems. The results suggest that Austin residents are generally unconcerned about flooding and unaware of many of the City's flood hazard mitigation strategies. The results also indicate that Austin residents are relatively satisfied with the City's efforts, although most have no strong opinion.