What does "floodplain management" aim to achieve?

Floodplain management aims to achieve the wise use of the nation's floodplains by balancing development needs with the natural environment and minimizing flood risks. This approach recognizes the value of floodplains not only as areas susceptible to flooding but also as crucial ecosystems that can provide benefits such as wildlife habitats, water quality improvement, and recreational opportunities.

Effective floodplain management involves planning and implementing strategies that reduce the potential impact of flooding while allowing for sustainable development practices that do not compromise safety or environmental integrity. By promoting thoughtful development and land use practices within flood-prone areas, floodplain management seeks to ensure that communities can thrive while also being resilient to the natural hazards associated with flooding.

This focus on wise use prevents the reckless expansion or construction in flood-prone areas, as seen in the other options, which either suggest increasing construction or promoting urban development without regard for flood risks. Complete elimination of flood risks is not feasible, as all areas carry some level of risk in relation to flooding, thus reinforcing the need for informed management strategies that acknowledge and adapt to these risks.