NPR's "MAP: FEMA Is Buying Out Flood-Prone Homes, But Not Where You Might Expect," October 20, 2014

FEMA buyout information, analyzed and published by NPR in 2014, detailing the amount of money spend by FEMA since 2003 and the 10 largest buyouts in United States History, where Iowa is number 2 with nearly $37 million dollars in 2008.

Courtesy of National Public Radio, Benincasa, Robert & Boyer, Brian, "MAP: FEMA Is Buying Out Flood-Prone Homes, But Not Where You Might Expect," National Public Radio, 20 October 2014

Description

From National Public Radio’s analysis of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) data, this map shows the total amount paid to property owners (by county), since 2003, and a chart of the 10 biggest disaster buyout totals.

Transcript of "MAP: FEMA Is Buying Out Flood-Prone Homes, But Not Where You Might Expect"

Source-Dependent Questions

Looking at the map, what do you notice about the state of Iowa compared to other regions or states within the United States? Does this surprise you? Why or why not?
Looking at the chart, as well as recalling some of the other sources you have seen, why do you think Iowa is number two on this list? What led to this large of a FEMA buyout?
Why would FEMA and the federal government want to spend so much money for this land? How does it benefit both Iowans and the federal government?

Citation Information

Benincasa, Robert & Boyer, Brian, "MAP: FEMA Is Buying Out Flood-Prone Homes, But Not Where You Might Expect," National Public Radio, 20 October 2014. Courtesy of National Public Radio