Flood protective structures in the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District, properly planned and constructed, are economical in providing protection against potential floods from the Minnesota River only for existing installations. New construction in the flood plain should include flood protection by proper location of structures as an integral part of the original design. In most cases, capital improvements should be made above the flood plain and far enough away from the main channel of the Minnesota River so as not to unduly restrict flood flows. Dikes, bulkheads, sandbagging, dams, and other structures would not be necessary if the flood plain were developed according to sound flood plain management principles. There is no economic necessity for flood protective structures on agricultural lands even though the land is flooded on an average of once a year. Agricultural use of the flood plain does not restrict high flows and is, therefore, a good use of the flood plain. Low cost flood plain management is the most economical means of reducing and eliminating both losses and the need for further protection. (WRSIC abstract)