Which of the following is an economic benefit of building large dams, considering the characteristics of public goods?

• A. Provision of hydroelectric power that can be consumed by multiple users without reducing availability
• B. Increase in private property values due to restricted access to water resources
• C. Creation of exclusive recreational facilities for a limited group
• D. Reduction in government spending on infrastructure

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the characteristics of public goods. Public goods are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning that one person's consumption does not reduce availability to others, and it is difficult to exclude anyone from using the good.
2. Step 2: Analyze each option in the context of public goods. For example, hydroelectric power generated by a dam can be supplied to many users simultaneously without reducing the amount available to others, fitting the non-rivalrous characteristic.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the option 'Provision of hydroelectric power that can be consumed by multiple users without reducing availability' as it aligns with the public good properties, making it an economic benefit of building large dams.
4. Step 4: Consider why other options do not fit. For instance, 'Increase in private property values' and 'Creation of exclusive recreational facilities' imply exclusivity, which contradicts the non-excludable nature of public goods.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the economic benefit related to public goods is the provision of hydroelectric power accessible to multiple users without reducing availability, highlighting the positive externality and public good aspect of large dams.