All you have to do is look at the residential areas across Johnston that straddle the "FEMA floodway" as well as the residential areas on the back end of the 100 acres where Coulee Mine dumps into the river to recognize that 80% of that land can be utilized.
The debatable portion is perfect for federal education grants to study flood zones. Including but not limited to being the perfect location for the Ira Nelson Horticulture Center, which would have freed up Johnston Street land for the Main Campus.
Point being, don't let the current needs dictate and lock you in for the long term.