Comprehensive, Coordinated and Collaborative River Planning and Management Final Report 2801 West Durango Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85009 (602) 506-1501 www.fcd.maricopa.gov Comprehensive, Coordinated and Collaborative River Planning and Management Final Report 1.0 Background Approximately 11,000 miles of rivers, streams and washes run through Maricopa County. While normally dry, this intricate network of watercourses provides critical floodwater conveyance during storm events, plus riparian habitat for wildlife and recreational open space for area residents. In order to enhance and maintain the benefits provided by these watercourses, the Flood Control District of Maricopa County (District) engaged in an effort to refine its role in river planning and management. The effort came on the heels of the District’s 2009 Comprehensive Floodplain Management Plan and Program (Plan). The Plan outlines five strategic initiatives designed to enhance the District’s ability to identify, regulate and remediate flooding hazards in the county. 1 The strategic initiatives are designed to ensure that the District has the necessary policies, programs and tools in place to protect Maricopa County residents from the devastating effects of flooding by 2020. Initiative No. 4 calls for the preservation and restoration of the natural resources and functions of floodplains and riparian areas; specifically asking “What should be the District’s role in river management?” What is C3RPM? To develop an enhanced river planning and management strategy, District staff adopted a process called C3RPM – Comprehensive, Coordinated and Collaborative River Planning and Management. The core C3 process addresses complex issues with a blend of comprehensive information collection to solicit diverse opinions; a coordinated and deliberative assessment of that information; and a collaborative decision-making system free of bias to promote a consensus result. C3RPM Goal The goal of the C3RPM effort was to define the District’s role in the management of “rivers” in Maricopa County that would maintain flood conveyance and consider the needs of the community. The C3RPM team defined success as the identification of a menu of activities, programs, and best management practices that would comprise the District’s “role” in river management. 1 The five initiatives are: 1) Strengthen Role as Regional Leader; 2) Streamline Multi-Objective Watershed Planning Approach; 3) Increase Collaboration and Partnering; 4) Preserve and Restore the Natural Resources of Floodplains and Riparian Areas; and 5) Process Improvement. 1 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 C3RPM Process and Phasing The following process was used to develop, evaluate and select a menu of recommended river management activities for further analysis or implementation. • Phase #1: Data collection focused on the identification of the current environment of the rivers in Maricopa County; coordination with similar agencies to identify best practices for river management; and surveys of the public, government agencies and special interest groups. • Phase #2: Development and evaluation of preliminary alternatives based on the information gained during the survey and data collection process. • Phase #3: Selection of a menu of river management activities recommended for implementation or further analysis. • Phase #4: Finalize findings, including developing an action plan, and sharing recommendations. C3RPM Team The C3RPM team consisted of staff from several divisions and branches within the District, including Engineering, Floodplain Management and Services and Planning and Project Management. Four Task Force teams collected survey data from the Public; Local Government Agencies; Special Interest Groups; and other flood control agencies. An assessment of the rivers was compiled by the Current Environment Task Force. Additional team members provided communications, cost analysis and data compilation support. Don Rerick Team Leader Jen Pokorski Chief of Staff John Hathaway Operations & Logistics Gant Wegner Communications Christopher Fazio Analysis & Costing Amir Motamedi TF Leader – Current Environment Scott Vogel TF Leader - Public Marta Dent TF Leader – Special Interest Ed Raleigh TF Leader - Government Kelli Sertich TF Leader – Agencies “Like Us” 2 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 2.0 Data Collection The C3RPM data collection effort focused on three areas: 1) A compilation of the physical, hydrological and socioeconomic characteristics of the six major rivers and washes in Maricopa County; 2) Status of watercourse master planning actions by the District and others; and 3) Surveys of government agencies, special interest groups and the public. The information gathered during the data collection phase was synthesized into trends and themes and reviewed by the C3RPM team (see Appendix A). The compiled information was used by the team to: 1) Gain an understanding of river management issues and public and stakeholder attitudes regarding management options. 2) Serve as a starting point for the brainstorming of potential river management activities. 3) Inform the development of alternative evaluation criteria. 4) Evaluate the alternative river management activities and select and prioritize a recommended list of activities for further action. 1) Current Condition of Maricopa County Rivers and Washes The assessment of the current condition of Maricopa County rivers focused on the following watercourses: Salt River (below Granite Reef Dam); Gila River; Agua Fria River; Hassayampa River; Centennial Wash and Waterman Wash. The data collection effort was limited to the floodplain or ½ mile from the edge of the floodway, whichever was greater. The C3RPM team collected information regarding historical flooding, effective floodplains, population trends, land use and ownership, sand and gravel operations, existing and proposed capital improvements, recreation features and selected environmental data. The information is presented in the Current Environment Report, dated May 2010. Key Findings The Current Environment Report provides an overview of river management issues, (e.g, development that is at-risk for flooding), and identifies areas where the flood hazard is low or may already be mitigated (e.g., District-owned property). Table 1: Maricopa Rivers Vital Statistics is a summary of selected information available in the Report. 3 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Table 1: Maricopa County Rivers Vital Statistics Agua Fria River Drainage Area (square miles) 2,066 Length (miles within Maricopa County) 35 Total Area within Floodplain 10,583 District Fee Land (acres) 1,119 District Easement Land (acres) 3,083 Current Land Ownership (acres) BLM 738 National Forest 0 Indian Communities 0 State 6,409 Private 25,344 Other 1,731 Current Land Use (acres) Low Density Residential 3,759 Medium Density Residential 5,179 High Density Residential 5,487 Industrial 7,096 Open Space 9,901 Other 2,799 Future Land Use (acres) Low Density Residential 2,679 Medium Density Residential 3,621 High Density Residential 5,450 Industrial 8,995 Open Space 7,614 Other 5,864 Centennial Wash 1,870 46 40,751 273 147 Gila River Salt River 50,910 95 117,156 3,739 1,686 Hassayampa River 1,471 54 19,570 186 337 13,405 38 14,161 433 173 Waterman Wash 422 16 9,182 0 0 4,036 0 0 16,360 42,916 156 68,001 0 694 7,978 91,011 8812 6,462 0 0 12,194 33,012 241 309 3,315 13,113 989 23,263 1,879 10,465 0 0 2,733 22,030 7 60,394 0 0 0 2,914 126 103,258 1,451 1,499 4,798 51,498 13,169 23,423 168 174 1,158 5,812 21,175 4,640 338 1,611 12,962 16,466 6,852 24,202 3,360 1,215 634 5,590 234 59,204 2 127 935 2,961 206 103,860 1,390 2,311 7,524 37,420 23,168 22,711 1,914 2,682 4,631 12,088 7,255 2,134 894 2,969 15,091 10,659 10,200 8,641 6,509 4,831 2,493 9,956 2,805 4 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 2) Status of Watercourse Master Planning Activities Two primary agencies – the District and the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) in partnership with local jurisdictions - develop watercourse master plans for rivers and washes in Maricopa County. Flood Control District of Maricopa County ARS §48-3609.01 authorizes the District to perform Watercourse Master Plans (WCMPs). The primary goal of the WCMP is to provide information and develop solutions that protect existing and future residents from possible damages associated with floods up to and including the 100year event. The District’s watercourse master planning process brings together the public, the business community, property owners, and concerned agencies for the purpose of identifying flood hazards and establishing multi-purpose flood mitigation solutions that incorporate recreation and environmental considerations. The District funds the development of WCMPs through its operating budget. Implementation strategies for WCMPs include non-structural (regulation) and structural solutions. The District implements the flood control structural components of the WCMPs in partnership with local communities and private property owners through its Capital Improvement Program. Multi-purpose features are funded by local jurisdictions. Completed WCMPs include: Upper Cave Creek/Apache Wash (2001), Skunk Creek (2001), Middle New River (2000), Agua Fria & Addendum (2001/2005), El Rio (2006), and Lower Hassayampa Phase I (2005). Rainbow Valley (Waterman Wash) and the Lower Hassayampa Phase II studies are on-going. Army Corps of Engineers The Corps has developed several watercourse master plans in Maricopa County. In general, these projects fall into two categories: River control works (e.g. levees and other bank protection to contain flooding along the Salt River, Gila River, and Agua Fria River), and; Habitat restoration projects, such as the Rio Salado, Rio Salado Oeste, and Va Shly ‘ay Akimel. The Corps projects are developed with local sponsorship by the District, City of Phoenix, City of Tempe, City of Mesa, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. These projects rely on local cost-share and annual appropriations from the United States Congress to fund planning, design, and construction. 3) Survey Data Input was solicited via electronic and printed surveys from the public, local government officials, special interest groups, other flood control agencies and select District staff. The surveys asked respondents to rank the benefits of rivers (e.g., flood conveyance, habitat), score the importance of various river management activities and indicate how each activity should be implemented. Copies of the survey instrument for each group are found in Appendix B. 5 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Survey Distribution • • • • • • • • Posted on the District website. Distributed at Tres Rios Nature Festival, Sun City Health Festival and other events. Mailed to 10,000 randomly selected households in Maricopa County. Made available at visitor centers, chambers of commerce and other locations throughout the county. Emailed to over 100 city managers, economic development, planning and engineering staff from all jurisdictions in the county. Phone interviews with 14 flood control agencies. Emailed to 26 special interest groups and other government agencies. Personal interviews with selected District staff. Completed surveys were received from officials at 19 local cities/towns and the Gila River Indian Community; nine special interest groups, such as the Audubon Society, Arizona Rock Products Association, and Arizona Game and Fish; 11 “agencies like us” including flood control districts in Texas and California; and from more than 130 county citizens. Key Findings Several consistent opinions emerged from the survey data. Support is widespread for maintaining flood conveyance, sustaining wildlife habitat, and preserving open space. Governments are especially interested in the multi-use potential of rivers and working with sand and gravel operators to restore the rivers once mining is complete. They also believe taxes, user fees, and/or grants should fund river improvements. Special interest groups prefer continuing current floodplain regulations and monitoring of sand and gravel mining operations, with the hope for more free-flowing water to support wildlife. The county’s citizens appreciate the natural open space afforded by rivers, and dislike illegal dumping. 6 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 3.0 Evaluation and Recommendation The C3RPM process to develop, evaluate and select a menu of recommended river planning and management activities included brainstorming, feedback from District staff and an independent economist, evaluation criteria development and weighting and alternative evaluation and selection. 1) Brainstorming: The C3RPM developed a list of preliminary alternatives based on the information gained during the data collection phase. The brainstorming process grouped the alternative river management activities into potential roles the District could perform (e.g., own the rivers, manage the rivers, operate and maintain the rivers). The results of the brainstorming meeting are found in Appendix C. 2) Feedback: The C3RPM team sought feedback on the preliminary river management activities from District staff, subject matter experts and an independent economist prior to evaluation and selection of the recommended activities. a. District staff. District staff was asked to rate each preliminary alternative based on its overall importance in achieving the District’s mission and 2020 Goal while efficiently serving the residents of the county. See Appendix D for a copy of the staff ranking form. b. Independent economist. A local economist provided qualitative feedback on the economic impact of the alternative activities. The economists identified each activity as providing a positive (+), neutral (N) or negative (-) economic impact. The economic impact was defined as all the cost and benefits of a particular activity, including capital and labor costs, as well as impacts to tax revenue, property value and other fiscal impacts. c. Subject matter experts. Selected District staff that are expert in various disciplines – engineering (sand and gravel), real estate, planning, landscape architecture, environmental, operation and maintenance, and the Community Rating System –gave input on the preliminary river management options. The role of the experts was two-fold: 1) Provide input on the alternatives at a special meeting of the C3RPM team, including suggesting additional activities; and 2) Rank the alternatives by completing the evaluation matrix. 3) Refinement of Preliminary Alternatives: The preliminary activities developed during the brainstorming process were refined into a concise list of 26 activities for ease of evaluation. The refinements included additions suggested by the subject matter experts, wording changes to clarify the intent of the activity, splitting one activity into two or more distinct activities and deleting redundant items. It is important to note that the list of activities to be evaluated included activities that the District currently performs. C3RPM Preliminary Alternatives for Evaluation 7 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 1. Floodplain regulation for unincorporated county & 12 communities (current District activity) 2. Floodplain delineations (current District activity, including delineations performed as part of an ADMS/ADMP) 3. Identification of erosion hazard zones as part of Watercourse Master Plans (current District activity) 4. Regulation of erosion hazard zones outside of the 100-year floodplain limits 5. Sand & gravel permitting (oversight for conveyance and erosion) for unincorporated county and 12 communities (current District activity) 6. Prepare Watercourse Master Plans (WCMP) (current District activity) 7. Actively coordinate implementation by others of WCMP recommendations. 8. District implementation of WCMPs. 9. Operate and maintain flood control structures owned by the District or obligated to maintain under agreement (current District activity) 10. Floodprone Property Acquisition Program for inhabited structures (current District activity) 11. Construct flood control capital projects (current District activity) 12. Utilize District property to generate revenue by leasing land for industrial uses such as sand and gravel operations, etc. 13. Utilize District property to generate revenue by leasing land for recreational uses such as golf courses, water parks, etc. 14. Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through purchase of land or easement. 15. Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through regulation. 16. Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through planning and incentives such as transfer of development rights, etc. 17. Restore degraded floodway/floodplains to improve habitat and aesthetic value. 18. Manage vegetation to improve flood conveyance. 19. District maintenance of public recreation features on District structures or property. 20. Develop best management practices for river management such as sample zoning ordinances, vegetation management strategies, water quality, etc. 21. Monitor river conditions – vegetation management, aggradation, degradation, water quality and habitat - and recommend appropriate actions. 22. Obtain adoption of WCMPs by county and cities 23. Develop a Maricopa County Floodplain Management Standards Board to make floodplain management consistent across the county with membership by the cities, towns and county. 24. Create river improvement districts into which property owners pay fees for the construction of flood control improvements. 25. Mentoring or development of best management practices to aid other jurisdictions with the O&M of flood control facilities. 26. Manage Adopt-a-River volunteer program in partnership with other agencies. 8 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 4) Evaluation Criteria. The C3RPM team identified and developed weights for nine evaluation criteria. In order to develop the relative weights, the team used a matrix to compare and rank each criterion against the others. The most important criteria received the greatest weighting factor. Table 2 lists the criteria and associated weights. Table 2: Evaluation Criteria and Weights Criteria Flood Conveyance Economic Impact 2020 Goal NFIP-CRS Impact Complexity and Risk Wildlife Habitat/Passive Recreation Political Acceptability Active Recreation/Trails Opportunities Scenic Value/Open Space Weight (Multiplier) 9 8 7 5 5 3 3 3 2 5) Alternative Evaluation and Recommendation. The alternative evaluation and recommendation process consisted of: 1) Using an evaluation matrix to score the alternatives; 2) Aggregating the scores and developing a list of top ranked activities; 3) Comparing the rankings of the C3RPM team, subject matter experts and District staff, and; 4) Developing a consensus list of recommended activities. Scoring Each alternative activity was ranked on a scale of 1-5, with 1 indicating poor performance or value and 5 indicating excellent performance or value (See Table 3 for a description of the ranking and score for each criterion). The 1-5 ranking was multiplied by the assigned weighting factor. The total score (ranking X weighting factor) for each criterion was summed to give an overall score for each alternative activity. The scores for the National Flood Insurance Program – Community Rating System (CRS) criterion were provided by the District’s CRS coordinator. The positive, neutral and negative rankings provided by the economist were translated into a score in order to populate the “Economic Impact” column of the evaluation matrix. The evaluation matrix is in Appendix E. Table 3: Guidelines for Scoring Alternative Activities Criteria Ranking (1) Ranking (3) Flood Conveyance Reduces flood Maintains flood Ranking (5) Improves flood 9 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Economic Impact 2020 Goal NFIP-CRS Impact Complexity and Risk Wildlife Habitat/Passive Recreation Political Acceptability Active Recreation/Trails Opportunities Scenic Value/Open Space conveyance Negative impact Diminishes ability to meet goal Negatively impacts ranking High complexity & risk conveyance Neutral Neutral Neutral conveyance Positive impact Improves ability to meet goal Enhances ranking Routine Low complexity & risk Reduces wildlife habitat Maintains existing wildlife habitat Increases wildlife habitat Low acceptance Partial acceptance High acceptance Reduces opportunities Maintains opportunities Improves opportunities Negative impact Neutral Positive impact Results The scores of individual team members and subject matter experts were aggregated to obtain a “ranking” for each activity, i.e., the activity with the highest combined score was the top-ranked activity. For the staff ranking, a percentage was calculated (e.g., number of respondents selecting a category (neutral, important, etc.) divided by total respondents) for each category. The percentages for the “important” and “very important” categories were totaled. The activities were then ordered based on the highest combined percentage of “important” and “very important” rankings. Appendix F contains the aggregated scoring sheets for the C3RPM team, subject matter experts and staff. The evaluation results from all three groups were compared and discussed by the C3RPM team (Appendix G presents a comparison of the top 10 ranked activities from each group). From those discussions, the C3 team developed a consensus list of recommended activities. The list was divided into three classifications: 1) Activities Presently Performed by the District; 2) Activities for Near-term Implementation; and 3) Activities for Future Consideration. Conclusions & Recommendations The consensus of the C3RPM team was that all of the activities that the District currently performs for river management are critical to achieving the District’s mission and should be emphasized moving forward. In addition, the team identified a few activities that may fill an existing service gap and warrant further investigation to determine how to implement those activities. These activities are categorized as “Activities for Near-term Implementation.” The 10 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 “Activities for Future Consideration” are activities which do not merit advancement at this point in time, but may have relevance in the future given changing conditions or priorities. Table 4 and 5 detail the final C3RPM recommendations for existing activities and activities for nearterm implementation. The activities recommended for future consideration are: • Original Activity Number (AN) 12: Utilize District property to generate revenue by leasing land for industrial uses • AN 13: Utilize District property to generate revenue by leasing land for recreational use • AN 17: Restore degraded floodway/floodplains to improve habitat and aesthetic value • AN 19: District maintenance of public recreation features on District structures or property • AN 23: Develop a Maricopa County Floodplain Management Standards Board to make floodplain management consistent across the country with membership by the cities, towns and county • AN 24: Create river improvement districts into which property owners pay fees for the construction of flood control improvements • AN 26: Manage Adopt-a-River volunteer program in partnership with other agencies 11 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Table 4: Activities Presently Performed by the District Original Activities Presently Performed by the District Activity Number 6 & 22 Prepare and seek adoption of WCMPs 2 Floodplain delineations 11 9 Construct flood control capital projects Operate and maintain flood control structures owned by the District or obligated to maintain under agreement. Floodplain regulation for unincorporated county & 12 communities Sand & gravel permitting (oversight for conveyance and erosion) for unincorporated county and 12 communities Floodprone Property Acquisition Program for inhabited structures 1 5 10 Table 5: Activities Recommended for Near-term Implementation Original Activities for Near-term Implementation Activity Number 3&4 Identification and regulation of erosion hazard zones (within and outside of the 100-year floodplain limits) 20, 21 & 25 Develop best management practices for river management to include a framework for monitoring river conditions. 14, 15, & 16 Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through regulation, purchase or through planning and incentives 7&8 District coordination and implementation of WCMPs Conclusions & Recommendations Continue current program, including seeking adoption or endorsement of WCMP recommendations by cities, FCD Board of Directors and county Board of Supervisors. Continue current program with emphasis on delineations in areas where development is expected to occur within the next three to five years Continue current program. Continue current program District Responsible Strategic Program Identification Planning Branch Identification Planning Branch and Hydrology and Hydraulics Branch Remediation Planning & Project Management Division Remediation Operation & Maintenance Division Continue current program Continue current program Regulation Regulation Floodplain Management & Services Division Engineering Division Re-visit evaluation criteria and funding allocation for program. Remediation Planning & Project Management Division Responsible District Strategic Program Identification Engineering Division with support from Formulate the District’s position regarding the identification and regulation of Planning & Project Management Division & erosion hazard zones, including developing new procedures, policy or seeking a Floodplain Management & Services Division statutory change, if warranted. Remediation Committee led by Planning Branch with Develop an arid regions river management manual that identifies best support from outside consultant. & management practices (BMPs) for reducing the flood hazard risk along Regulation watercourses in arid environments, specifically Maricopa County. BMP topics could include land use and zoning, vegetation management, water quality and operations and maintenance. The manual will also discuss ways to monitor river conditions, and provide guidance as to what conditions should trigger the implementation of a specific BMP. Remediation Committee led by Floodplain Management Develop an internal guidance document that: 1) Identifies how existing & Services Division & regulations can preserve the floodway for conveyance and prevent adverse Regulation impact to adjacent property in the floodplain; with habitat preservation as an ancillary benefit; and 2) Addresses when purchase of floodplain property is an appropriate activity for the District. Remediation Planning & Project Management Division The District will unilaterally take the lead to cause the implementation of WCMPs and/or identifying strategies for partnering with communities to implement WCMP recommendations. Conclusions & Recommendations 12 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 4.0 Action Plan The implementation strategy for the C3RPM recommendations is dependent on the activity. All activities that are currently performed by the District will continue to be implemented as a matter of District practice. The activities recommended for near-term implementation will be executed as detailed in the following action plan. The activities are listed in order of priority. 1) Identification and regulation of erosion hazard zones (within and outside of the 100year floodplain limits). (Activity Numbers 3 and 4) Action Item: By the end of calendar year 2011, a committee led by the Engineering Division will: • Determine the status of erosion hazard identification and regulation in Maricopa County • Identify areas for improvement, such as increased coordination between the District and other jurisdictions • Recommend and institute any changes necessary to ensure public safety • Develop procedures or policy, or if necessary, seek statutory change Desired End Result: A written procedure or policy that details how the District will identify and regulate erosion hazards within and outside of the 100-year floodplain or, if necessary, the initiation of a process to seek a statutory change. 2) Develop best management practices for river management to include a framework for monitoring river conditions. (Activity Numbers 20, 21 and 25) Action Item: By the end of fiscal year 2011-2012, a committee led by the Planning Branch will: • Determine the key elements of a best practices manual based on issues specific to arid rivers in Maricopa County and input from District staff, stakeholders and other sources. BMP topics could include land use and zoning, vegetation management, water quality and operations and maintenance. • Produce a scope of work and initiate a contract with an outside consultant • Coordinate with the Lower Hassayampa WCMP project team regarding a process and guidelines for monitoring river conditions • Develop an arid region river management manual Desired End Result: Arid Regions River Management Manual adopted by the District Board of Directors. 3) Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through regulation, purchase or through planning and incentives (Activity Numbers 14, 15 and 16) 13 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Action Item: By the end of calendar year 2012, a committee led by the Floodplain Management and Services Division, will: • Identify opportunities and areas of overlap where existing regulations and other tools can preserve floodways/floodplains for conveyance, wildlife habitat and other environmental purposes • Develop guidelines for when purchase of floodplain property is an appropriate flood hazard mitigation activity for the District (e.g., cost/benefit, high habitat value, etc) • Consider opportunities for additional NFIP-CRS credit when identifying means for floodplain preservation or developing guidelines for purchase of property • Develop policies or procedures Desired End Result: Policy or procedures endorsed by management that provide guidance to staff regarding floodplain preservation opportunities. 4) District coordination and implementation of WCMPs (Activity Numbers 7 and 8) Action Item: As an on-going matter of practice, the Planning Branch will take the lead in actively coordinating the implementation of completed and future Watercourse Master Plans. This implementation effort can take the form of coordinating meetings between jurisdictions, drafting intergovernmental agreements, providing technical support and other activities designed to support the WCMP recommendations. 14 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Comprehensive, Coordinated and Collaborative River Planning and Management Final Report Appendix A Survey Responses ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Appendix A: Survey Responses A. Government 1. Rank on a scale of 1-7 (1 being the most important) the following benefits or values of rivers. Ranking Totals Benefits of Rivers 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Values of the rivers 2. What are the top three river related issues? River Related Issues 1-Flood Conveyance 2-River Management: 3-Recreation ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Government, con’t 3. Rank importance of river management strategies 4-Maintain Conveyance 3-Purchase Floodplain Land Other Non- Profit, Private Other Government Flood Contrl District 2-Coordinate Activities 1-Manage Activities 4. How should the activities ranked as important be implemented? 1-Taxes/Development Fees 2-IGAs/Cooperative Agreements 3-Non-Profit Organizations 4-New Agency/Expanded FCD ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 B. Special Interest 1. Rank on a scale of 1-7 (1 being the most important) the following benefits or values of rivers. 1.800 1.600 1.400 1.200 1.000 0.800 0.600 0.400 0.200 0.000 Sand & Gravel Buckey WCDD BLM State land dept 2. What are the top three river related issues? a. Natural Functioning Floodplain including Management of Invasive Species and Environmental Protection b. Recreation and Education c. Economic Development 3. Rank importance of river management strategies Manage activities within river Coordinate activities within the rivers Maintain conveyance Restoration Purchase floodplain land 404 Mitigation ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Special Interest, con’t 4. How should the activities ranked as important be implemented? a. Purchase Floodplain Land: Involvement from Flood Control District, other government agencies, private interests and non-profit organizations b. Maintain Conveyance: Lead Agency --- Flood Control District c. Coordinate Activities within River: Lead Agency --- Flood Control District with support from other government agencies, private interests and non-profit organizations d. Manage Activities within River: Lead Agency---Flood Control District with support from other organizations C. Public 1. Rank on a scale of 1-7 (1 being the most important) the following benefits or values of rivers. Wildlife Habitat Flood Conveyance Scenic Value/Open Space Recreation Economic Opportunities Sand and Gravel Other 2. What are the top three river related issues? a. Illegal Dumping/Pollution b. Sand and gravel/Unsightly c. Dams/Lack of Perennial Flow 3. Rank importance of river management strategies. a. Purchase Floodplain Land: Very Important b. Maintain Conveyance: Extremely Important c. Regulate Activities: Extremely Important 4. How should the activities ranked as important be implemented? a. Purchase Floodplain Land: Flood Control District in conjunction with other government agencies b. Maintain Conveyance: Flood Control District c. Regulate Activities: Flood Control District in conjunction with other government agencies ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Comprehensive, Coordinated and Collaborative River Planning and Management Final Report Appendix B Survey Forms for Government and Special Interest, Public, and Other Flood Control Agencies (Agencies “Like Us”) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Government and Special Interest Survey Comprehensive, Coordinated, Collaborative River Planning and Management Survey The goal of the C3RPM effort is to define the District’s role in the management of “rivers” in Maricopa County that will maintain flood conveyance and consider the needs of the community. How would you rank the following uses or benefits of rivers from most to least important (with 1 being most important and 7 being least important)? Scenic Value/Open space Sand and gravel mining Recreation/Trails Wildlife habitat Flood conveyance Economic development along river corridors Other (please specify) _______________________________________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ What are the top three river-related issues in your community or from the perspective of your organization? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ What is your “vision” for the rivers? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Government and Special Interest Survey How would you implement and fund your “vision” for the rivers? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ There are a variety of activities or strategies that can be implemented to plan and manage rivers in Maricopa County. Mark how important you feel each river planning and management strategy is in the column labeled “Importance of Activity.” In the column listed “Party Primarily Responsible for Implementation,” mark which group or agency should be primarily responsible for implementing each activity. Importance of Activity Party Primarily Responsible for Implementation Not at all Important 1 2 Extremely Important 3 4 5 Flood Control District Other Gov’t Agency* Private/ForProfit Interests* Non-profit Organizations * Other * 1 2 3 4 5 Purchase floodplain land Maintain conveyance Coordinate activities within the rivers Manage activities within river Other (please specify) *Please indicate a specific agency that should be responsible for implementation. Please explain how the party or parties should implement the activities that you ranked as important (ranked as 4 or 5 in the previous question). ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Government and Special Interest Survey ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ What do you think of the District’s current approach to the rivers? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Any additional comments? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Public Survey Comprehensive, Coordinated, Collaborative River Planning and Management Survey The goal of the C3RPM effort is to define the District’s role in the management of “rivers” in Maricopa County that will maintain flood conveyance and consider the needs of the community. How would you rank the following uses or benefits of rivers from most to least important (with 1 being most important and 7 being least important)? Scenic Value/Open space Sand and gravel mining Recreation/Trails Wildlife habitat Flood conveyance Economic development along river corridors Other (please specify) _______________________________________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ What do you like about rivers in Maricopa County? What don’t you like? ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ What is your “vision” for the rivers? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Public Survey How would you implement and fund your “vision” for the rivers? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ There are a variety of activities or strategies that can be implemented in order to plan and manage rivers in Maricopa County. Mark how important you feel each river planning and management strategy is in the column labeled “Importance of Activity.” In the column listed “Party Primarily Responsible for Implementation,” mark which group or agency should be primarily responsible for implementing each activity. Importance of Activity Party Primarily Responsible for Implementation Not at all Important 1 2 Extremely Important 3 4 5 Flood Control District Other Gov’t Agency* Private/ForProfit Interests* Non-profit Organizations * Other * 1 2 3 4 5 Purchase floodplain land Maintain floodwater capacity Manage activities within river Other (please specify) *Please indicate a specific agency that should be responsible for implementation. Please explain how the party or parties should implement the activities that you ranked as important (ranked as 4 or 5 in the previous question). ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Public Survey ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Is there anything else that you would like to add? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Agencies “Like Us” Survey Comprehensive, Coordinated, Collaborative River Planning and Management Survey The goal of the C3RPM effort is to define the District’s role in the management of “rivers” in Maricopa County that will maintain flood conveyance and consider the needs of the community. Do you have a Plan/Program for River Planning and Management, and why? How is the program/plan being implemented? (Regulation; Purchase of Floodplain Land) ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ What other agencies are involved in your river management plan or program? Did you work with agencies like the Corps, or NRCS? Why? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ What were the specific river management problems that you were trying to solve with the plan or program? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ What is the financing structure? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Agencies “Like Us” Survey What is your current statutory authority? Did you have to develop any new or special regulations or policies in order to implement the plan/program? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Who is taking the lead on maintenance? How is it being paid for? What problems or issues are you having with maintenance? What kind of maintenance needs to be done? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ During the planning and implementation process, what were the “unknowns”? What happened that you didn’t anticipate happening? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Is there anything else that you would like to add? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Comprehensive, Coordinated and Collaborative River Planning and Management Final Report Appendix C Brainstorming Meeting Summary ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Brainstorming Meeting Summary May 27, 2010 9:00-11:30 a.m. Meeting Purpose The purpose of the meeting was to brainstorm potential alternative roles for the District in river planning and management for further evaluation. Alternative Formulation and Definition The C3 Team brainstormed potential alternative roles for the District in river planning and management. The brainstorming process included defining the associated activities and characteristics of each alternative role 1. 1.) Status Quo The District historically focused on stabilizing and confining the river in an attempt to reduce the overall floodplain footprint. The District’s current approach to river planning and management is a combination of numerous activities performed under various District programs and authorities. For example, the District’s planning branch develops watercourse master plans that identify river management strategies and flooding solutions to be implemented by others. Regulatory functions are performed for unincorporated Maricopa County and the 12 communities that have elected to have the District perform their floodplain management responsibilities. Flood control structures are generally constructed in partnership with local communities or federal partners. Activities • Floodplain management and permitting for unincorporated county and 12 communities • Purchase (fee & easement) of floodplain land for construction of flood control structures (includes land purchased for mitigation) • 100-year FEMA delineations and identification of erosion hazard zones • Sand and gravel permitting for unincorporated county and 12 communities. Oversight restricted to conveyance and erosion. • Prepare Watercourse Master Plans; implementation by others. • Operate and maintain property and flood control structures that the District owns or is obligated by agreement to maintain. • Grants trail/recreation easements to other agencies (County and cities) for District property/structures • Purchase inhabited structures in floodplain/floodway through FPAP 1 The preliminary alternatives listed in this document (items 2-6) build upon or modify the activities listed under “status quo”. If one of the preliminary alternatives is selected for implementation some or all of the status quo activities will still be performed. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 • • • • • Maintain select stream gages Construct capital improvement projects through partnerships with local and federal agencies. Participation in AFMA, NAFSMA and FEMA river-related committees Water quality responsibilities on District property/structures Constructed and monitor two pilot studies for replacement of salt cedar with native species 2.) Own The following three scenarios relate to District purchase and ownership of floodplain/floodway land to maintain flood conveyance and possibly serve other functions desired by the public and local communities. The scenarios differ on the District’s management strategy for the land. Details such as what land to purchase (floodplain or floodway along entire rivers or selected reaches) and whether to purchase in fee versus easement will be determined during the C3RPM implementation phase if one of these alternatives is ultimately selected. A. Revenue Generation: Purchase land to generate revenue (e.g., sand and gravel leases, golf course, water parks, etc.) B. Preserve and Protect: Deed restriction, maintain flood conveyance capacity, habitat and open space preservation. Under this scenario the purchase priority would be for undisturbed land with high quality habitat that is not “secured”, i.e., under the ownership of a government agency that is managing the land as open space or wildlife habitat. C. Own and Restore: Under this scenario, the purchase priority would be for disturbed, degraded floodway/floodplains (e.g., abandoned sand and gravel mines, areas with low habitat value/invasive species, etc.). This could also include the restoration of land currently owned by the District. 3.) Operate and Maintain There are four possible operation and maintenance scenarios: A. The District maintains its property and the integrity of flood control structures that it owns or is obligated by agreement to maintain. This approach includes: • Structural and functional maintenance of structures • Trash/graffiti clean-up on District property • Preventing trespassing B. The District maintains its property and the integrity of flood control structures that it owns or is obligated by agreement to maintain and performs additional maintenance functions including: • Structural and functional maintenance of structures • Trash/graffiti clean-up on District property • Preventing trespassing • Vegetation management • Maintenance of public recreation amenities (e.g., trails) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 • Constructing/maintaining public/worker safety measures (e.g., handrails, etc) C. In addition to maintaining flood control structures that the District owns, the District outsources its operation and maintenance services to private entities and/or other government agencies. The possible operation and maintenance services to be outsourced include: Structural and functional maintenance of structures • Trash/graffiti clean-up • Preventing trespassing • Maintenance of public recreation amenities (e.g., trails) • Vegetation management • Constructing/maintaining public/worker safety measures (e.g., handrails, etc) D. The District transfers all operation and maintenance of flood control structures to the jurisdiction where the structure is located or to the project partner. 4.) Coordinate The “Coordinate” alternative assumes that the District plays a leadership role in river planning and management by facilitating intergovernmental cooperation and organizing all planning, permitting, policy and implementation issues. Activities • Conduct Watercourse Master Plans and other studies to identify river-related issues and develop solutions • Provide technical expertise to local jurisdictions • Take lead in initiating agreements to implement Watercourse Master Plan recommendations • Develop best management practices for river management such as sample zoning ordinances, and vegetation management strategies • On-going monitoring of river conditions or “health” • Evaluation of permitting activities to ensure compatibility with WCMP and other activities 5.) Manage The “Manage” role focuses on regulating activities in the rivers as opposed to the “Coordinate” role which is a facilitative approach with voluntary participation. The “manage” role could be implemented in unincorporated county and the 12 communities for which the District performs floodplain management duties, or in all jurisdictions. Activities • Flood Conveyance/Floodplain Permitting/NFIP • Land Use Ordinances • Adoption of Watercourse Master Plans • Leadership role in implementation of WCMPs ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 6.) River-specific Each of the above alternatives could be applied to individual rivers or reaches of individual rivers. For example, the District could purchase land in the Gila River, coordinate activities on the Agua Fria and regulate the Salt River. River-specific strategies will be further discussed during the alternative selection process, and then fleshed out during the implementation planning phase. 7.) Other The following is a list of ideas that could be incorporated into any of the above strategies. • Land swaps with ASLD or other government land owner – coordinate with private property owners to swap/trade “river bottom” land for developable land outside the floodplain. • Eliminate all salt cedar and invasive species, replace with native vegetation. • Coordinate to a greater extent floodplain management activities for the entire county. Develop a Maricopa County Floodplain Management Agency, to make floodplain management more consistent across the county, with voluntary membership by cities. This idea lends itself for incorporation in the “Manage” alternative, if participation is required, or the “Coordinate” alternative, if participation is voluntary. • Adopt-a-River volunteer program funded through corporate donations (similar to California’s “Adopt-a-Storm Drain” program) • Establish hunting and fishing preserves on District-owned land • Facilitate/preserve wildlife corridors • Create improvement districts within river floodplains into which developers pay fees for the District to construct flood control improvements Implementation Considerations • Consider the character of each river when developing implementation strategy. For example, a WCMP may be needed for the Gila River between SR85 and Gillespie Dam to consider the unique character of that area (e.g., mostly agriculture). • Expanded sand and gravel permitting • Possible statutory changes on use of tax dollars • Legislative action to modify authorized function/activities of the District • Expanded partnerships with non-profit groups (e.g., American Rivers, etc.) Next Steps • Identify Evaluation Criteria (Mtg on June 14) • Receive feedback on preliminary alternatives from C3RPM Task Force and staff from various disciplines (regulatory, sand and gravel permitting, planning, CRS program, environmental, etc.) (Mtg on July 1) • Select Recommended Alternative (Mtg to be scheduled later in July/August) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Comprehensive, Coordinated and Collaborative River Planning and Management Final Report Appendix D Alternative Activities Ranking Sheet ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 C3RPM Alternative Activities Ranking Sheet Activity Description 1 Floodplain regulation for unincorporated county & 12 communities 2 Floodplain delineations 3 Identification of erosion hazard zones as part of Watercourse Master Plans 4 Regulation of erosion hazard zones outside of the 100-year floodplain limits 5 Sand & gravel permitting (oversight for conveyance and erosion) for unincorporated county and 12 communities 6 Prepare Watercourse Master Plans (WCMP) 7 Actively coordinate implementation by others of WCMP recommendations 8 District implementation of WCMPs 9 Operate and maintain flood control structures owned by the District or obligated to maintain under agreement 10 Floodprone Property Acquisition Program for inhabited structures 11 Construct flood control capital projects 12 Utilize District property to generate revenue by leasing land for industrial uses such as sand and gravel operations, etc. 13 Utilize District property to generate revenue by leasing land for recreational uses such as golf courses, water parks, etc. 14 Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through purchase of land or easement. 15 Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through regulation 16 Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through planning and incentives such as transfer of development rights, etc. 17 Restore degraded floodway/floodplains to improve habitat and aesthetic value 18 Manage vegetation to improve flood conveyance 19 District maintenance of public recreation features on District structures or property 20 Develop best management practices for river management such as sample zoning ordinances, vegetation management strategies, water quality, etc. 21 Monitor river conditions – vegetation management, aggradation, degradation, water quality and habitat - and recommend appropriate actions 22 Obtain adoption of WCMPs by county and cities 23 Develop a Maricopa County Floodplain Management Standards Board to make floodplain management consistent across the county with membership by the cities, towns and county 24 Create river improvement districts into which property owners pay fees for the construction of flood control improvements 25 Mentoring or development of best management practices to aid other jurisdictions with the O&M of flood control facilities. 26 Manage Adopt-a-River volunteer program in partnership with other agencies Not Important Somewhat Important Neutral Important Very Important ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Comprehensive, Coordinated and Collaborative River Planning and Management Final Report Appendix E Alternatives Selection Matrix ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Alternatives Selection Matrix C3RPM Weighting Value 7 9 5 Scoring values (Highest Score is Preferred Option) 1..3..5 1..3..5 1..3..5 1..3..5 NFIP-CRS Impact Wildlife Habitat/Passive Recreation Activity Description 2020 Goal Flood Conveyance 3 3 2 8 3 5 1..3..5 1..3..5 1..3..5 1..3..5 1..3..5 Active Recreation/Trail s Scenic Value/Open Space Economic Impact Political Acceptability Complexity & Alternative Risk Weighted Score 1 Floodplain regulation for unincorporated county & 12 communities 0 2 Floodplain delineations 0 3 Identification of erosion hazard zones as part of Watercourse Master Plans 0 4 Regulation of erosion hazard zones outside of the 100-year floodplain limits 0 5 Sand & gravel permitting (oversight for conveyance and erosion) for unincorporated county and 12 communities 0 6 Prepare Watercourse Master Plans (WCMP) 0 7 Actively coordinate implementation by others of WCMP recommendations 0 8 District implementation of WCMPs 0 9 Operate and maintain flood control structures owned by the District or obligated to maintain under agreement 0 10 Floodprone Property Acquisition Program for inhabited structures 0 11 Construct flood control capital projects 0 12 Utilize District property to generate revenue by leasing land for industrial uses such as sand and gravel operations, etc. 0 13 Utilize District property to generate revenue by leasing land for recreational uses such as golf courses, water parks, etc. 0 14 Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through purchase of land or easement. 0 15 Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through regulation 0 16 Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through planning and incentives such as transfer of development rights, etc. 0 17 Restore degraded floodway/floodplains to improve habitat and aesthetic value 0 18 Manage vegetation to improve flood conveyance 0 19 District maintenance of public recreation features on District structures or property 0 20 Develop best management practices for river management such as sample zoning ordinances, vegetation management strategies, water quality, etc. 0 21 Monitor river conditions – vegetation management, aggradation, degradation, water quality and habitat - and recommend appropriate actions 0 22 Obtain adoption of WCMPs by county and cities 0 23 Develop a Maricopa County Floodplain Management Standards Board to make floodplain management consistent across the county with membership by the cities, towns and county 0 24 Create river improvement districts into which property owners pay fees for the construction of flood control improvements 0 25 Mentoring or development of best management practices to aid other jurisdictions with the O&M of flood control facilities. 0 26 Manage Adopt-a-River volunteer program in partnership with other agencies 0 Scoring Explanation: 1=Poor Value; 3=Average Value; 5=Excellent Value ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Notes/Justification Evaluation Criteria Score/Ranking 1 Score/Ranking 3 Score/Ranking 5 1) Flood Mitigation 2020 goal Flood conveyance NFIP-CRS Impact Diminishes abilility to achieve 2020 goal Reduces flood conveyance Negatively impacts CRS ranking No impact on 2020 goal Maintains flood conveyance Neutral Improves ability to achieve 2020 goal Improves flood conveyance Enhances CRS ranking 2) Public/Partner Expectations Economic Impact Wildlife habitat opportunities Negative economic impact Reduces wildlife habitat Neutral Maintains existing wildlife habitat Positive economic impact Improves wildlife habitat Recreation/trails opportunities Reduces multi-use opportunities Maintains existing multi-use opportunities Increases multi-use opportunities Scenic value/open space Negative impact on scenic value Neutral Positively impacts scenic value Low acceptance Requires substantial change to existing statutory authority High complexity & high risk Partial acceptance High acceptability Requires minor change to existing statutory Existing statutory authority authority Routine Low complexity & low risk 3) Implementation Political acceptability Statutory Authority Complexity and Risk Secondary Evaluation Cost Initial/Upfront Cost Life cycle net costs High Cost Medium Cost ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Low Cost Comprehensive, Coordinated and Collaborative River Planning and Management Final Report Appendix F Activity Aggregate Ranking ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 C3RPM Activity Aggregate Ranking Ranking Original Activity Number Staff Expert Team Aggregate Ranking District implementation of WCMPs 12 1 2 15 Prepare Watercourse Master Plans (WCMP) 6 8 3 17 Floodplain delineations 2 10 7 19 Construct flood control capital projects Operate and maintain flood control structures owned by the District or obligated to maintain under agreement 5 14 1 20 1 17 6 24 15 Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through regulation 7 7 10 24 1 Floodplain regulation for unincorporated county & 12 communities Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through planning and incentives such as transfer of development rights, etc. Actively coordinate implementation by others of WCMP recommendations 3 13 9 25 18 3 5 26 11 9 8 28 20 Develop best management practices for river management such as sample zoning ordinances, vegetation management strategies, water quality, etc. 15 2 11 28 3 Identification of erosion hazard zones as part of Watercourse Master Plans 8 6 20 34 14 Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through purchase of land or easement. 14 11 14 39 21 Monitor river conditions – vegetation management, aggradation, degradation, water quality and habitat - and recommend appropriate actions 9 12 19 40 17 Restore degraded floodway/floodplains to improve habitat and aesthetic value 19 4 18 41 18 13 16 15 44 20 15 12 47 4 23 24 51 17 21 13 51 21 20 17 58 26 19 16 61 10 Manage vegetation to improve flood conveyance Mentoring or development of best management practices to aid other jurisdictions with the O&M of flood control facilities. Sand & gravel permitting (oversight for conveyance and erosion) for unincorporated county and 12 communities Develop a Maricopa County Floodplain Management Standards Board to make floodplain management consistent across the county with membership by the cities, towns and county Utilize District property to generate revenue by leasing land for recreational uses such as golf courses, water parks, etc. Create river improvement districts into which property owners pay fees for the construction of flood control improvements Floodprone Property Acquisition Program for inhabited structures 16 24 23 63 26 Manage Adopt-a-River volunteer program in partnership with other agencies 23 18 22 63 4 Regulation of erosion hazard zones outside of the 100-year floodplain limits 22 22 21 65 25 25 25 75 24 26 26 76 8 6 2 11 9 16 7 25 5 23 13 24 12 19 Activity Utilize District property to generate revenue by leasing land for industrial uses such as sand and gravel operations, etc. District maintenance of public recreation features on District structures or property ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Comprehensive, Coordinated and Collaborative River Planning and Management Final Report Appendix G Rankings ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 Aggregate Ranking 1. District implementation of WCMPs Staff Ranking Expert Ranking 1. Operate and maintain flood control structures owned 1. District implementation of WCMPs by the District or obligated to maintain under agreement Team Ranking 1. Construct flood control capital projects 2. Prepare Watercourse Master Plans (WCMP) 2. Floodplain delineations 2. Develop best management practices for river management such as sample zoning ordinances, vegetation management strategies, water quality, etc. 2. District implementation of WCMPs 3. Floodplain delineations 3. Floodplain regulation for unincorporated county & 12 communities 3. Prepare Watercourse Master Plans (WCMP) 4. Construct flood control capital projects 4. Sand & gravel permitting (oversight for conveyance and erosion) for unincorporated county and 12 communities 5. Construct flood control capital projects 3. Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through planning and incentives such as transfer of development rights, etc. 4. Restore degraded floodway/floodplains to improve habitat and aesthetic value 5. Operate and maintain flood control structures owned by the District or obligated to maintain under agreement 5. Identification of erosion hazard zones as part of Watercourse Master Plans 6. Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through regulation 7. Floodplain regulation for unincorporated county & 12 communities 8. Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through planning and incentives such as transfer of development rights, etc. 9. Actively coordinate implementation by others of WCMP recommendations 6. Prepare Watercourse Master Plans (WCMP) 9. Monitor river conditions – vegetation management, 9. Floodplain delineations aggradation, degradation, water quality and habitat - and recommend appropriate actions 9. Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through regulation 10. Develop best management practices for river management such as sample zoning ordinances, vegetation management strategies, water quality, etc. 10. Actively coordinate implementation by others of WCMP recommendations 10. Develop best management practices for river management such as sample zoning ordinances, vegetation management strategies, water quality, etc. 7. Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through regulation 8. Identification of erosion hazard zones as part of Watercourse Master Plans 6. Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through regulation 7. Prepare Watercourse Master Plans (WCMP) 4. Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through planning and incentives such as transfer of development rights, etc. 5. Operate and maintain flood control structures owned by the District or obligated to maintain under agreement 8. Actively coordinate implementation by others of WCMP recommendations 10. Preserve floodplain/floodway for conveyance and habitat through purchase of land or easement. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2801 West Durango St, Phoenix AZ 85009 Phone: 602-506-1501 Fax: 602-506-4601 6. Floodplain delineations 7. Actively coordinate implementation by others of WCMP recommendations 8. Floodplain regulation for unincorporated county & 12 communities