Question

A permanent flood control dam is expected to have an initial cost of $2.8 million and an annual upkeep cost of $20,000. In addition, minor reconstruction will be required every 5 years at a cost of $200,000. As a result of the dam, flood damage will be reduced by an average of $180,000 per year. Using an interest rate of 6% per year, the conventional B/C ratio will be closest to:

Answer 1

0.81

Step-by-step explanation:

Present Value of annual Maintenance cost = $20,000 / 6% = $333,333.33

In five year time, $200,000 is required as major maintenance cost. So effective rate for 5 year = [(1 + 6%) ^ 5] - 1 = 1.3382 - 1 = 0.3382 = 33.82%. Present Value of 5 year cost = $200,000 / 33.82% = $200,000 / 0.3382 = $591,366.06

Total Present Value cost = $2,800,000 + $333,333.33 + $591,366.06 = $3,724,699.39.

Annual Cost = $3,724,699.39 * 6% = $223,481.96.

Benefit / Cost = $180,000 / $223,481.96

Benefit / Cost = 0.805434138845032

Benefit / Cost = 0.81

So, conventional B/C ratio is 0.81.