PHOENIX (September 19, 2018) – Residents of one Laveen community in South Phoenix will see relief from the threats of record storm events. Today, the Flood Control District’s Board of Directors approved an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Flood Control District (FCD) of Maricopa County and the City of Phoenix for the design and construction of a storm drain project that helps reduce flooding near 27th Avenue and Olney Avenue.
Severe storms have flooded neighborhoods posing risks to residential and commercial property, leaving residents and business owners to clean up the damage. This project will help to provide flood protection for properties north of Olney Avenue and west of 23rd Avenue as well as both sides of 27th Avenue, north of Olney Avenue.
"The safety of Maricopa County residents is our top priority,” said District 5 Supervisor Steve Gallardo. “This project will incorporate design elements to help reduce the risk from flooding in an area that knows the damage stormwater can do all too well.”
The planned storm drain system includes a pipe along Olney Avenue just west of 24th Drive, then north along 27th Avenue to the 27th Avenue and South Mountain Regional Detention Basin. New stormwater basins and connections to existing subdivision retention basins will also be constructed.
“Not only can flooding from storms cause major damage to homes and businesses, but it can also be disruptive to residents’ lives,” said Thelda Williams, Phoenix Mayor and Chair of the Water, Wastewater, Infrastructure and Sustainability Subcommittee. “This new infrastructure will help reduce the risk of flooding and bring much-needed relief—and it’s made possible because of our partnership with the Flood Control District.”
More than forty-three residential and commercial structures have historically experienced flooding in this area. This project will help bring flood relief for residents in the City of Phoenix as well as unincorporated Maricopa County. Flood-related and infrastructure costs in the South Phoenix area will be reduced benefiting current and future residents and development.
“Flooding can occur anywhere, and only a few inches of water in a home can cause thousands of dollars in damage,” said Michael Fulton, FCD Director. “The Flood Control District encourages businesses, homeowners and renters to consider purchasing flood insurance even if your property may not be in a known high risk flood area.”
For more information on how to reduce your risk, flood insurance and steps you can take to better prepare for storms, visit FCD.Maricopa.gov.
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The Flood Control District of Maricopa County reduces risk from flooding so that property damage and loss of life is minimized, economic development is supported in a safe and responsible manner and stormwater is recognized as a resource for the long-term benefit of the community and environment.