 Figure 1a. Houses once stood on the fields near Boulder High School. |
 Figure 1b. The same location today. |
To enter a discussion, select one of the following questions:
Figure 1a. Houses once stood on the fields near Boulder High School. |
Figure 1b. The same location today. |
(1) Recall Stop 4 of the field study, where you observed vacant fields near Boulder High School. These fields weren't always empty. In fact, houses (Fig. 1a) were once located there but were removed by the City of Boulder after a flood. Now, Boulder High School uses these fields for sports activities (Fig. 1b).
Some people think that housing is expensive in Boulder because of the city's strict growth regulations, and favor more development -- even in sensitive environmental areas. Others disagree. Should the City of Boulder permit development on the Boulder Creek Floodplain? Why or why not?
(2) In the event of a natural disaster, victims may apply for financial assistance from a variety of government programs, including the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Some people, while supportive of disaster-relief organizations, believe the cost to taxpayers could be reduced if people living in hazardous areas were required to carry insurance.
 Figure 1. Past flooding near the Harvest House on 28th St. |
Do you think businesses and residents located in the Boulder Creek floodplain should be forced to carry flood insurance? Why or why not?