Living in "Flash Flood Alley": Describing Citizen Awareness and Satisfaction Regarding Flood Hazard Mitigation Programs in Austin, Texas
Date
2013-05
Authors
Helfrich, James
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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) storm-water 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.
Description
An Applied Research Project Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University, in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, Spring 2013.
Keywords
flood hazard mitigation, flood control, citizen awareness, citizen satisfaction, Austin, Texas, Public Administration
Citation
Helfrich, J. (2013). Living in "Flash Flood Alley": Describing citizen awareness and satisfaction regarding flood hazard mitigation programs in Austin, Texas. Masters of Public Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.