You are the emergency manager of Utopia, a mid-sized community that is economically and residentially balanced. The elected officials are considering annexing a section of contiguous property to the north. This area includes about 40 homes and a grammar school in the Wunderbar School District, which serves grades kindergarten through sixth. Just north of this area is the Neptune River, which floods from time to time.

You have been asked to establish the costs that are associated with preparedness, mitigation, and recovery for this proposed annexation. Further, you have been asked to determine funding sources for activities that are associated with preparedness, mitigation, and recovery. Last, you need to identify mutual-aid needs and other assistance that would be required from groups like nongovernmental agencies if a flood occurred. 

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas:

How would you address the potential flood areas, especially the grammar school? 

Would you recommend flood prevention systems?

If so, what kind of systems would you recommend, and how would you pay for them?

Assume that evacuation is a necessity.

Define how an evacuation would be carried out and who is responsible for the financial aspects of the plan.

Include your approach to developing a positive working relationship with other agencies and the private sector.

Explain how reimbursement work will be addressed with the public sector, which may not be willing to wait for the usual government payment schedule.