Pima County Santa Cruz River Flood Control District Gateway to River Park Park Avenue Detention Basin Cienega Creek Ajo Detention Basin 1998/99 Annual Report Pima County Flood Control District Annual Report Fiscal Year 1998/99 Prepared by Pima County Flood Control District 201 North Stone Avenue Tucson, Arizona 85701 February 2000 FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION Board of Directors (Board of Supervisors) Mike Boyd, District 1 Dan Eckstrom, District 2 Sharon Bronson, District 3 Raymond J. Carroll, District 4 Raúl M. Grijalva, District 5 Flood Control District Advisory Committee Mike Zeller, Chair, City of Tucson Paul Cella, Vice-Chair, District 4 Jim DeGrood, 2nd Vice-Chair, Sahuarita Brent Cluff, Oro Valley Robert Condit, Marana Antonio Figueroa, City of Tucson Rene Gastelum, City of South Tucson Mary Horvath, District 3 Herb Osborn, City of Tucson Phil Pearthree, District 5 Doug Shakel, District 1 Vacant, District 2 General Manager (County Administrator) C. H. Huckelberry Chief Engineer (Director) Brooks A. Keenan Division Managers Leo R. Smith, Floodplain Management Zbigniew Osmolski, Flood Control Engineering Kathy Black, Administrative Services Tom Kilargis, Field Engineering David Cummings, Operations Thomas E. Burke, Real Property Richard G. Harrington, Technical Services TABLE OF CONTENTS Flood Control District Administration ................................................................................................ 2 Board of Supervisors and Flood Control District Advisory Committee ................................................ 4 Message from the Chief Engineer (Director) ...................................................................................... 5 District Finances ............................................................................................................................... 6 Revenues ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Expenditures ...................................................................................................................................... 6 Capital Improvement Project Expenditures ........................................................................................ 7 Capital Improvement Projects Map ................................................................................................. 8-9 Financial Highlights .................................................................................................................... 10-11 Overview of the District ................................................................................................................... 12 Establishment of the District ........................................................................................................... 12 Goals and Objectives........................................................................................................................ 13 Flood Control District Organization ................................................................................................. 14 Floodplain Management Division ..................................................................................................... 15 Floodplain Management Section ...................................................................................................... 15 Flood Control Planning Section ........................................................................................................ 17 Flood Control Engineering Division .................................................................................................. 24 Other Divisions ................................................................................................................................ 27 Coordination with Other Agencies .................................................................................................... 28 Office Locations ........................................................................................................ inside back cover PIMA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS District 1 Supervisor Mike Boyd District 2 Supervisor Dan Eckstrom District 4 Supervisor Raymond J. Carroll District 3 Supervisor Sharon Bronson District 5 Supervisor Raúl M. Grijalva FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITEE FY 98/99* Mike Zeller, Chair City of Tucson Paul Cella, Vice-Chair District 4 Jim DeGrood, 2nd Vice-Chair Sahuarita Brent Cluff Oro Valley Robert Condit Marana Antonio Figueroa City of Tucson Rene Gastelum City of South Tucson Mary Horvath District 3 Herb Osborn City of Tucson Phil Pearthree District 5 Doug Shakel District 1 *District 2 committee position is currently vacant. 4 Flood Control District MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF ENGINEER (DIRECTOR) On behalf of the Board of Directors of Pima County Flood Control District, I am pleased to present the District’s Annual Report for Fiscal Year 1998/1999. This past year, the District made important strides toward minimizing flood and erosion hazards and decreasing overall flood-related costs for Pima County residents. Progress was made in both the District’s structural and nonstructural flood control programs. The District’s structural flood control program saw the planning, design and construction of bank stabilization projects, detention basins, and design and construction of river parks. This past year also brought an increase in activity in the District’s Floodplain Management Program. Staff responded to a record number of floodplain information requests, coupled with extensive permitting activity and resolution of many drainage complaints. Long-range planning activities, groundwater recharge projects and natural resource preservation work rounded out the District’s efforts. A few highlights of the District’s activities in FY 98/99 include: • Completed design work and began construction of the 7.3-mile Lower Santa Cruz River Levee. The project will protect over 4,500 acres of floodprone property in the Town of Marana and northern Pima County. • Processed 55 modifications to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The changes will remove many Pima County property owners from designated floodplains and will result in substantial savings in flood insurance premiums paid by these residents. • Responded to over 8,900 requests for floodplain status information, a record number for the District. Staff also provided floodplain assistance to 5,800 walk-in customers and issued over 600 Floodplain Use Permits. • In cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the District became one of the first flood control agencies in the country to begin using new computer-based flood insurance rate maps. Use of the digital maps has resulted in significant productivity and accuracy enhancements in floodplain mapping and customer service response. • Continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System. This past year, the program saved Pima County property owners an estimated $121,346. Pima County ranks in the top ten percent of almost 1,000 communities across the country that take part in this program. District efforts in FY 98/99 made an important contribution in minimizing flood and erosion hazards for Pima County residents. I hope you’ll take a moment to peruse this year’s Annual Report for a closer look at the District’s many accomplishments. Brooks A. Keenan Director Flood Control District 5 DISTRICT FINANCES Revenues Although the District receives assistance from state and federal agencies to construct major capital facilities, most of the District’s funding is generated from the property tax levy, along with general obligation bond sales authorized by the electorate. Approximately one-half of the annual levy revenue is devoted to the Capital Improvement Program, with the remainder allocated to operating expenses. This past fiscal year, the District’s annual levy rate was less than the previous year although total revenue obtained from the levy increased slightly. This results from an increasing number of taxable properties in the county and increases in assessed valuations. Information on the District levy rate and revenues is shown in the table at right. Expenditures The table on the following page provides information on capital project expenditures for FY 98/99. Project numbers shown in the table correspond to the projects shown on the map on pages 8 and 9. The remainder of District expenditures goes toward operating expenses, which include funds allocated for maintenance of flood control structures, engineering and design services, floodplain management, and planning and administration activities. A detailed breakdown of the District’s finances is provided on pages 10 and 11. Flood Control District Tax Levy Rate 1980 to 1999 Fiscal Year Ending Levy Rate* Tax Revenue** 1980 0.1302 $1,126,000 1981 0.5143 $4,637,000 1982 0.4683 $5,342,000 1983 0.5072 $6,882,000 1984 0.4739 $7,652,000 1985 0.5269 $9,243.000 1986 0.5102 $9,969,000 1987 0.5346 $11,713,000 1988 0.7630 $17,272,000 1989 0.5592 $13,730,000 1990 0.5985 $14,663,000 1991 0.5985 $14,058,000 1992 0.5871 $13,689,000 1993 0.5871 $13,767,000 1994 0.5398 $12,678,000 1995 0.4623 $11,379,000 1996 0.3596 $9,368,000 1997 0.3596 $9,467,000 1998 0.3296 $10,392,000 1999 0.3246 $10,411,000 * Per $100 assessed valuation ** Unaudited 6 Flood Control District CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT EXPENDITURES Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1999 PROJECT 1 Santa Cruz River Study (COE) PLANNING DESIGN ROW ACQUISITION CONSTRUCTION COST OTHER PROJECT TOTAL $108,331 $180,758 $0 $0 $14,909 $303,998 $1,727 $58,906 $164,190 $1,922,326 $19,806 $2,166,955 $0 $6,442 $86 $0 $0 $6,528 4 City of South Tucson $0 $364 $0 $710,000 $0 $710,364 5 Arroyo Chico Detention Basin $0 $152,605 $17,771 $343,020 $20,612 $534,008 $463 $58,645 $103 $0 $1,050 $60,261 $54 $357 $98,507 $710 $118 $99,746 $0 $69,751 $1,341 $1,413 $2,353 $74,858 $61,846 $118,041 $17,473 $1,924 $13,884 $213,168 $21,451 $185,526 $854,111 $3,179,336 $33,993 $4,274,417 $0 $108,968 $0 $0 $1,229 $110,197 $8,572 $4,263 $0 $0 $373 $13,208 $106 $55,123 $8,757 $1,667 $11,618 $77,271 $0 $6,441 $0 $0 $0 $6,441 $2,069 $62,192 $342 $57 $4,157 $68,760 $0 $7,738 $655 $2,898 $0 $11,291 $881 $83,277 $129 $0 $15,115 $99,402 18 Rillito Creek/Swan Wetlands $0 $233 $0 $0 $0 $233 19 Rillito Creek Environmental $0 $9,282 $0 $0 $0 $9,282 $8,047 $74,274 $0 $109 $4,244 $86,674 $19,528 $467 $198,319 $93 $4,131 $222,538 $245,575 $1,271,153 $1,361,784 $152,992 $152,992 $9,223,057 2 Rillito Creek Bank Stabilization (River Park) 3 Santa Cruz River Bank Stabilization, Grant Rd. to Fort Lowell Rd. 6 Tanque Verde Creek at Castle Rock 7 Agua Caliente/Tanque Verde Bridge 8 Tanque Verde Creek, Craycroft Rd. to Sabino Canyon Rd. 9 Northwest Replenishment Project 10 Lower Santa Cruz Flood Control Levee 11 Green Valley Drainageway #9 12 Santa Cruz Bank Stabilization near Ina Rd. 13 Tucson Diversion Channel 14 Continental Vista Erosion Protection 15 McClelland River Park 16 Ajo Detention Basin–Restoration 17 Ajo Detention Basin–Wetlands Restoration 20 Santa Cruz River Park Paseo de las Iglesias Floodprone Land Acquistion TOTAL Flood Control District 7 TORTOLITA MOUNTAIN PARK PIMA COUNTY MAINSAIL D E COLUMBUS L O BLVD. RO PK W PINAL COUNTY BLVD. Pima County Flood Control District LA GO HAWSER ST. sh Big Wa FIRST AVE. LA CANADA DR. sh AL n que IN NA 4 KI EY RD . RD 1 . BOPP RD. RO AD 16 17 reek rde C Ve HOUGHTON RD. HARRISON RD. SPEEDWAY BLVD.. BROADWAY 22ND. ST. SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK 29TH. ST. ESCALANTE RD. D.M.A.F.B. 13 IRVINGTON RD. 7 GOLF LINKS RD. AJO WAY CMO. DE OESTE a NN CMO. VERDE T EC OJ PR W SNYDER HILL RD. JO AQ UI N l Ca Y. 6 29TH. ST. SILVERLAKE RD. HW ash A 22ND. ST. SA N ua Ag HARRISON RD. RD. YO N C AN BEAR T CA CAMINO SECO PANTANO RD. 5 sh Ta TANQUE i en te W RD. VERDE KOLB RD. BROADWAY WILMOT RD. 6TH ST. SAHUARA AVE. SPEEDWAY BLVD. SNYDER RD. LARREA LN. B INO 8 an o ROSEMONT BLVD. ALVERNON WAY PIMA ST. CA NY ON KOLB RD. RD. CRAYCROFT PONTATOC RD. SWAN RD. L S A D ND IE DODGE BLVD. COUNTRY CLUB RD. MOUNTAIN AVE. 6TH AVE. Cr ee ALVERNON WAY V E. LA BE L MP CA TUCSON BLVD. STONE AVE. FAIRVIEW AVE. ROMERO RD. 20 SA 19 18 GLENN ST. COLUMBUS BLVD. de EL MORAGA PL. TW EE W DE OESTE CMO. PAINTED HILLS RD. RD. CALLE BARRIL h ANKLAM ZO RI LA PCGDS 12/28/99 ep FT. LOWELL RD. GRANT RD. GATES PASS RD. YO C HA as HO US EC AN k ac Bl 8 Flood Control District TUCSON MOUNTAIN PARK AIN TOHONO O'ODHAM NATION SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FIRST AVE. GERHART RD. . DR P AD A MILE WIDE RD. NR D PIMA COUNTY 3 PRINCE RD. IRONWOOD HILLS RD. GREEN VALLEY AREA INSET ARIV ACA RD ORACLE RD. TULA LN. SANDERS RD. C r uz River S a n ta N R D L A CANADA DR ES H WY . E DR. W OLD NOGAL RD GORET SUNRISE OL ROGER RD. RA NT CE CAM O D I N EL SO L EY S ATER DR. o bin Sa Ve n y 2 e ek k on BA J KI NN C . a Ca n tan SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK O LO FT. LOWELL RD. RIVER RD. DR nt Pa GREEN VALLEY W HI TE E RD li t o 15 EL CAMINO DEL CERRO CHULA VISTA RD. WETMORE RD. LOOP 14 Ri l . . RD E IN NT AL RD D. MC C DUVAL 11 RD MINE CO NT LI N IO SS MI RUDASILL r RD EN GATE GOLD R L SUNSET RD. INA RD. ORANGE GROVE RD. EL MANVILLE RD. HELMET PEAK RD SIL V er gl Pe B ER 19 TOWN OF SAHUARITA TE S IN B UT TW BELMONT RD. RUDASILL RD. MINERAL HILL RD ñ Ca Y SK ORANGE GROVE RD. PIMA MINE RD MAGEE RD. a ad 12 PICTU RE RO CKS R D. R KINGAIR DR. INA RD. CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST HARDY HARDY RD. RD. MONA LISA RD. MAGEE RD. Scale in Miles See table on page 7 for project descriptions. CALLE CONCORDIA HARDY RD. CORTARO FARMS RD. PIMA FARMS RD. 2 Wa GOLDEN LN. 10   SCENIC DR. EMIGH RD. OVERTON RD. l Oro LINDA VISTA RD. THORNYDALE RD. OASIS RD. CMO. DE OESTE LAMBERT LN. CM NARANJA RD. LA CHOLLA BLVD. LA O. LAMBERT LN. TWIN PEAKS RD. AVRA RD. POTVIN RD. DE CMO. DE LA TIERRA Riv er AVRA VALLEY RD. CMO.DEL NORTE OLDFATHER RD. SANDARIO RD. MA NA NA  ta C ruz 1 CATALINA STATE PARK SUNSET RD. 10 San 0 MOORE RD. SHANNON RD. TANGERINE RD. Avra Valley Airport CLAYTON RD. TORTOLITA RD. POSTVALE RD. WENTZ RD. SANDERS RD. T Brawley W ash EC TRICO RD. OJ DERRINGER RD. PR 9 A ANWAY RD. ON EL TIRO RD.  . IZ R . VD AR COCCIO RD. L BARNETT RD. CH AN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FY 98/99 CH WILDS RD BL RA PUMP STATION RD. RD. GRIER RD. MOORE RD. LL GOLDER RA N ✈ MARANA SO TRICO NT SIL VE R BE VISTO CE LUCKETT RD. HARDIN RD. 10   IRVINGTON RD. 19   Flood Control District 9 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998/1999 Fund Balances Revenues Interest Income 4% Federal Participation 10% City Participation 1% State Participation 3% Miscellaneous 2% Beginning Fund Balance as of 7-1-98 Total Revenues Total Expenditures $ 5,673,000 12,953,000 (14,732,000) Ending Fund Balance as of 6-30-99 $ 3,894,000 Property Tax, Flood Control District Federal Participation Interest Income City Participation State Participation Miscellaneous $10,411,000 1,340,000 491,000 86,000 405,000 220,000 80% 10% 4% 1% 3% 2% Total Revenue $12,953,000 100% Capital Improvements Operating Budget Debt Services $ 9,223,000 4,229,000 1,280,000 62% 29% 9% Total Expenditures $14,732,000 100% Property Tax 80% Expenditures Debt Services 9% Operating Budget 29% Capital Improvements 62% Note: FY 98/99 preliminary and unaudited amounts rounded to the nearest thousand. 10 Flood Control District Breakdown of Expenditures Capital Improvements Other 1% Planning 3% Design 14% Planning Design ROW Acquisition & Improvements Construction Other $ 246,000 1,271,000 1,362,000 6,191,000 153,000 3% 14% 15% 67% 1% Total Capital Improvements $9,223,000 100% Planning & Development Drainage & Structure Maintenance Engineering PAG Payments Management & Administration $2,569,000 1,173,000 (278,000) 35,000 730,000 60% 28% -7% 1% 17% Total Operating Expenses $4,229,000 100% Annual Payment $ 1,280,000 100% Total Expenditures $14,732,000 100% ROW Acquisition & Improvements 15% Construction 67% Operating Budget PAG Payments 1% Management & Administration 17% Drainage & Structure Maintenance 28% Debt Services Planning & Development 60% Flood Control District 11 OVERVIEW OF THE DISTRICT Establishment of the District To comply with federal law, the State of Arizona passed the Floodplain Management Act of 1973. This act authorized Arizona counties to adopt rules and regulations concerning management of floodplain areas. The Arizona state legislature subsequently authorized flood control districts to levy taxes on real property to finance district operating expenses. The Pima County Board of Supervisors, which sits as the Pima County Flood Control District Board of Directors (Board), organized the Pima County Flood Control District on June 5, 1978. The District first became operational on July 1, 1978. Provisions of state legislation also allow incorporated cities and towns within the county to undertake their own floodplain management duties and regulatory functions. In Pima County, the incorporated areas of the City of Tucson, the Town of Oro Valley and the Town of Marana have elected to assume floodplain management duties in their respective jurisdictions. The District is responsible for floodplain management activities for the remainder of unincorporated Pima County (with the exception of national forests, parks, monuments, and Indian Nations) and for the City of South Tucson and the Town of Sahuarita. Vision The District will continue to be a leader in providing quality flood protection and floodplain management services within Pima County. Mission Pima County Flood Control District is a regional agency whose mission is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Pima County residents by providing comprehensive flood protection programs and floodplain management services. These services emphasize fiscal responsibility, protection of natural resources, and a balanced multi-objective approach to managing regional watercourses, floodplains, and stormwater resources. Value Statement The District is committed to the fair treatment of the general public and our employees, an open decision-making process, fostering the opportunity for employee contributions, improved quality of work through working in partnership, and consideration of environmental values along with economic benefits in our programs. Flooding inundates large areas of Marana and unincorporated Pima County in January 1993. 12 Flood Control District Goals and Objectives The goals and objectives of the District represent both flood control and resource protection views and vary from traditional flood control approaches because of a multi-benefit public philosophy. The District recognizes that it is necessary and desirable to maintain a balanced relationship between human communities and the land and resources that sustain them. To that end, the following twelve specific policy goals and objectives have been adopted by the Board as part of the District’s Floodplain and Erosion Hazard Management Ordinance: • To minimize flood and erosion damages • To meet or exceed state and federal requirements relating to floodplain management – thereby enabling Pima County residents to purchase lowcost flood insurance, to receive disaster relief, should the need arise, and to seek residential and commercial real estate loans • To establish minimum flood protection elevations and damage protection requirements for structures and other types of development, which may be vulnerable to flood and erosion damage • To regulate encroachment and building development within areas subject to flooding or erosion, and to ensure that the flood-carrying capacity within the altered and/or relocated portion of any watercourse is maintained • To encourage the most effective expenditures of public money for flood control projects • To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and erosion, usually undertaken at the expense of the general public • To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, and streets located in regulatory floodplain and erosion hazard areas • To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the protection of regulatory floodplain and erosion hazard areas • To inform the public when property is in a regulatory floodplain or erosion hazard area • To ensure that those who occupy the areas within a regulatory floodplain and erosion hazard area assume responsibility for their actions • To encourage the preservation of natural washes and enhance the riverine environment • To protect, preserve, and enhance groundwater recharge Lower Santa Cruz River levee under construction. Flood Control District 13 District Organization The District is organized into two main divisions based on the major functions of each group: 1) the Floodplain Management Division; and 2) the Flood Control Engineering Division. The District receives substantial support from other divisions within the Pima County Department of Transportation and Flood Control District (PCDOT/FCD). These include Administrative Support Services, Maintenance Operations, Field Engineering, Real Property, and Technical Services. Further assistance is received from other county departments, including Development Services, Department of Environmental Quality and the Pima County Attorney’s Office. The District pays for services rendered by PCDOT and other departments through interdepartmental fund transfers from the District to Pima County. Although District employees are part of the Pima County Department of Transportation and Flood Con- trol District, their positions are funded entirely from District revenues. The District funded 38 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff positions in FY 98/99. As noted, the Pima County Board of Supervisors, sitting as the Flood Control District Board of Directors, governs the Flood Control District. The Board also hears requests for variances and appeals to the Floodplain and Erosion Hazard Management Ordinance (FPMO). In 1988, the Board formed the Flood Control District Advisory Committee (FCDAC) to advise on flood-related matters and to increase public participation in the decision-making process. The 12-member FCDAC includes five members appointed by the Board (one for each Board member), three representatives from the City of Tucson, and one representative each from the City of South Tucson, the towns of Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita. One position, in an ex-officio capacity, is available for appointment by the Tohono O’odham Nation. District Organizational Chart BOARD OF DIRECTORS FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR CHIEF ENGINEER (DIRECTOR) DEPUTY DIRECTOR MANAGER FLOOD CONTROL ENGINEERING DIVISION MANAGER FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT DIVISION FLOOD CONTROL PLANNING DIVISION 14 Flood Control District FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT SECTION FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT DIVISION Work of the Floodplain Management Division generally falls into two main areas of responsibility corresponding to its two sections: the Floodplain Management Section and the Flood Control Planning Section. Major activities for these two sections are highlighted below. Floodplain Management Section The main responsibility of the Floodplain Management Section is to enforce provisions of the Pima County Floodplain and Erosion Hazard Management Ordinance (FPMO). This ordinance, prepared in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program, includes regulations and requirements designed to minimize flood damage and losses throughout the community. This important goal is accomplished largely through review and issuance of Floodplain Use Permits and the dissemination of floodplain-related information through the District’s public service counter. Section staff also respond to drainage and flood-related complaints and prepare updates and revisions to the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Public education and awareness programs are also an important part of this program. Section accomplishments during FY 98/99 are highlighted below. Floodplain Use Permits Virtually every development or other improvement made in floodplains or erosion hazard areas requires issuance of a Floodplain Use Permit by the District prior to beginning construction. The permit process is designed to ensure compliance with the District’s FPMO and allow for development in floodprone areas in as safe a manner as possible. In FY 98/99, the District received 794 permit applications and issued 603 Floodplain Use Permits. Information on these and other floodplain management activities is summarized in the table on the following page. Site Reviews and Floodplain Status Requests Floodplain Management staff is involved in a variety of activities that assist new home buyers and land purchasers in understanding the hydrologic conditions that affect their property. Staff provides detailed site reviews to identify potential flood hazards and any floodplain restrictions that may be associated with the parcels. In FY 98/99, District staff completed 142 detailed site reviews and responded to 8,905 requests for the floodplain status of individual properties – a record number. The floodplain status of each parcel, as indicated on the FEMA FIRMs, is provided to each requestor. District staff assisting public with floodplain management needs. Drainage Complaints, Violations and Maintenance Requests Flood Insurance Studies and FIRM Revisions Drainage complaints, which may involve floodplain use violations, are thoroughly investigated by the District. Investigation of drainage complaints allows the District to identify potential problems that may warrant further attention or possible mitigation. If it is determined that a violation has occurred, the property owner is notified and corrective actions are requested. Staff also evaluates conditions on drainageways that are either owned or maintained by Pima County. The District coordinates with DOT’s Maintenance Operations Division to ensure that any needed maintenance, such as clearing of debris or excessive vegetation in a channel, is performed. During this past fiscal year, 498 drainage complaints were processed. The District works in conjunction with FEMA under the Flood Insurance Study Program (FIS) to identify floodprone areas and set insurance rates in flood hazard areas within the county. A key work product of this effort is a set of official maps called Flood Insurance Rate Maps. These maps show flood hazard zones and Flood Control District 15 Community Rating System Program Floodplain Use Permit (FPUP) Activities FY 95/96 FY 96/97 FY 97/98 FY 98/99 FPUP Applications Received 577 724 836 794 FPUP’s Issued 448 528 609 603 Drainage Complaints Received 432 605 559 498 For the past nine years, the District has participated in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), a program that recognizes and rewards floodplain management activities undertaken by local jurisdictions. The program emphasizes floodplain management activities that serve to: • Reduce flood damages to existing buildings Floodplain Status Letters Written 5,960 Counter Service 4,882 5,113 5,436 5,885 10,880 11,204 11,989 14,135 267 178 132 142 Central Permit Reviews Site Reviews 6,778 8,240 8,905 other relevant hydrological information. Federal, state, and local floodplain management regulations apply to development and other activities that take place in designated flood hazard zones. FIRMs have been prepared for most of the major watercourses and many of the smaller watercourses within Pima County. These maps are updated periodically when structural improvements are implemented or when floodplain characteristics are altered due to modifications to channel geometry, etc. The Floodplain Management Division is the local map repository for the FIRMs. A significant milestone this past year was completion of remapping of the county and converting this information to Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (d-FIRMs). Pima County is one of the first jurisdictions to utilize d-FIRMs, which now constitute the official FEMA information for the county. The d-FIRM data has been integrated into the county’s geographic information system and is used by District staff in such tasks as providing flood status determinations, performing site reviews, and issuing Floodplain Use Permits. In conjunction with the d-FIRMs, the District maintains a map repository for unincorporated Pima County which contains all Letters of Map Amendments, Letters of Map Revisions, or Letters of Map Change issued by FEMA. Last fiscal year, the District processed 55 modifications to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. 16 Flood Control District • Manage development in hazard areas not mapped by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) • Institute a greater level of flood protection than the minimum required by NFIP • Facilitate residents and other agencies in obtaining information about area flooding conditions and flood insurance The District’s involvement in the CRS program has resulted in a 15 percent reduction in insurance premiums that county residents pay every year. In FY 98/99, District-sponsored CRS activities saved property owners in unincorporated portions of Pima County a total of $121,346. Pima County ranks in the top ten percent of almost 1,000 communities across the country that are involved in this program. Brawley Wash Primary Flood Corridor Study Completed in June 1999, the Brawley Wash Primary Flood Corridor Study was prepared to address two issues: 1) Current FEMA maps (which identify a floodplains only and not floodways) were based largely on approximate mapping methods that have limited use when applied to broad floodplain areas with shallow flow depths, highly erodible soils and relatively high flow velocities; and 2) an increase in the number of Floodplain Use Permit applications submitted for development in the study area, which indicates increasing interest in developing parcels in the Brawley Wash floodplain. When used together with other available information showing flow depths and velocities near the upper permissible limits for habitable structures, an engineering study may be required to demonstrate that the proposed development can be constructed in accordance with provisions of the Floodplain and Erosion Hazard Management Ordinance. The Brawley Wash study is pending review by the Flood Control District Advisory Committee. Flood Control Planning Section This section is involved with medium and long-term planning activities that help decrease flood and erosion damages in the community. Some of the major activities of the section include conducting river and basin management studies, operating the District’s flood warning system, researching and acquiring floodprone land, groundwater recharge and replenishment programs, riparian habitat protection, habitat enhancement efforts and preparation of the District’s Capital Improvement Program. Other special projects are undertaken as resources allow. Major activities during FY 98/99 include the following: Floodprone Land Acquisition Program The Floodprone Land Acquisition Program (FLAP) began in 1984, funded by bond monies authorized by Pima County voters and by an annual allocation from the District’s tax levy. FLAP is an effective nonstructural floodplain management tool that yields a number of community benefits. Some of these include removing residences and structures from vulnerable areas, preserving natural floodplain characteristics (and attenuation of downstream flood peaks), providing recreational opportunities, maintaining open space, and protecting groundwater quality and riparian habitat resources. The District administers FLAP solely on a voluntary basis without utilizing its land condemnation authority. Floodprone parcels have been acquired along the Tanque Verde, Rillito, Cienega, and Agua Verde Creeks, the Canada del Oro, Pantano, Pegler and Black Washes, and along the Santa Cruz River. During FY 98/99, the District purchased six parcels of land totaling approximately 41 acres at a cost of $143,000. Pima County Flood Warning Program The Flood Warning Program encompasses the District’s Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time Warning System (ALERT), along with the District’s Flood Response Plan and Flood Hazard Mitigation efforts. The ALERT System consists of approximately 65 automatic self-reporting precipitation gauges, 24 stream gauges, 4 weather stations, and 4 radio repeater stations. The system automatically transmits hydrometeorological data via radio telemetry to the District’s base station and to the Tucson office of the National Weather Service (NWS). During storm events, District staff evaluate incoming data to monitor changing flood conditions. The NWS also uses the information when issuing flash flood warnings and advisories. Finally, Pima County Department of Transportation, Maintenance Operations Division relies on District ALERT data to determine storm-related road closures. Over the past year, there were several significant storm events that prompted issuance of NWS advisories, road closures and intensive ALERT system monitoring by District staff. ALERT staff proudly displays Pioneer Award. A special highlight this year was receipt of the National Hydrologic Warning Council/ALERT Users Group’s Pioneer Award at the group’s annual conference. This award recognizes significant advances in the flood warning field and was presented to District staff and planning committee members attending the conference. Flood Preparedness Activities Over the past fiscal year, District staff continued its work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Arizona Department of Water Resources and other state and local agencies in developing a state-wide flood warning system. Plans for the system include installation of additional rainfall and stream gauges in the District’s ALERT network and enhanced communication links, both in Pima County and state-wide. Staff also undertook a project with the Tucson-Pima County Office of Emergency Management to design a Flood Control District 17 flood exercise for emergency response agencies. This effort – in conjunction with other elements of the District’s Flood Warning Program – resulted in improved flood emergency preparedness for the community and allows credits to be applied toward the District’s rating in the National Community Rating System (CRS) Program. CRS activities by the District have produced significant reductions in flood insurance premiums paid by Pima County property owners. Public Awareness, Education and Outreach A series of exhibits documenting historical flood events and highlighting flood safety information are on display in the customer service counter area of the Floodplain Management Division offices. This same display, along with video presentations, computer demonstrations and other flood-related exhibits is featured every year at the District’s information booth during the ten-day Pima County Fair. The exhibit features over 70 feet of colorful, informative displays and includes a hands-on computer demonstration showcas- District staff has developed a variety of brochures, presentations and displays that help educate the public Traveling flood safety display in action. Earth Day for kids presentation. and raise awareness of flood hazards within Pima County. Numerous free publications on flood and erosion hazards, floodplain regulations and information on how to safely develop property in floodprone areas are available in the lobby area of the District offices. This past year, District staff researched and prepared a new brochure on how residents can incorporate water harvesting concepts on their property. ing the District’s World Wide Web site. Free brochures, fliers, and other information on flooding hazards within Pima County is provided to fair goers, along with information on a variety of flood-related topics. Flood Control display at the Pima County Fair. 18 Flood Control District This past year, District staff participated in the annual Students Against Drunk Driving Conference and Earth Day for Kids. Flood awareness, flood preparedness, and safety are major themes of these presentations. Ground- water recharge information, water quality and watershed protection topics are covered. The District continued its annual contract with local meteorologist Dr. Richard Wood, to provide presentations at area elementary schools. Since its inception in 1992, the program has introduced thousands of students and their parents to flooding and erosion issues, and provide information on various flood safety topics. A recent addition to its public outreach and education program, the District worked with local television stations during last year’s summer monsoon season to air three 30-second public service announcements (PSAs) dealing with flash flooding. Prepared by the National Weather Service, Office of Hydrology, the PSAs were made available to eight television stations in the Tucson area. District World Wide Web Site The District continued work on its World-Wide Web site, which provides public information on a variety of flood control and floodplain management topics. During the past year, a District Overview section was completed with detailed information on the formation of the District, a summary of its activities, District funding data, and information on the District’s Advisory Committee and Board of Directors. The Web page information is used frequently by real estate agents, insurance agencies, engineering consultants and the general public. This past year, the District again provided a hands-on computer demonstration at the Pima County Fair to showcase the Web site. Web page development is an on-going effort with future sections planned on historic flood events within Pima County and flood warning and flood preparedness topics. The Internet address of the District’s Web site is www.dot.co.pima.az.us/flood/. Basin and River Management Studies Sahuarita Basin Management Plan – At the time of its incorporation in 1995, the Town of Sahuarita chose to have the Pima County Flood Control District retain responsibility for the Town’s floodplain management. In order to define floodplain management guidelines for the rapidly expanding Town, the District is preparing a Basin Management Plan that will quantify the area’s hydrology and identify strategies for mitigating potential flood hazards within the community. Phase I of the study is expected to be completed in December 1999. Flood Control District Advisory Committee During FY 98/99, the Advisory Committee studied and made recommendations on major policy issues and other concerns related to the District and flood control concerns within the community. One of the committee’s main tasks was to work with staff to modify certain provisions of the District’s Floodplain and Erosion Hazard Management Ordinance. Recommendations on the Ordinance changes were forwarded to the Board of Directors who subsequently approved the modifications. Other issues addressed by the Advisory Committee included review of sand and gravel standards, development of a draft Capital Improvement Project rating system, discussion of District funding and tax levy rates, review of the Floodprone Land Acquisition Program, and hearing and preparing recommendations on Floodplain Use Permits. Riparian Habitat Ordinance Revisions In July 1998, the Board amended the District’s Watercourse and Riparian Habitat Protection and Mitigation Requirements Ordinance 1994-FC2 (Ordinance) so that mitigation requirements now apply to all properties within unincorporated Pima County, not just those entering the rezoning or subdivision process. Other changes in the Ordinance language include: 1) disturbance to any Hydro/Mesoriparian habitat requires a mitigation plan to be approved by the Board; and 2) the trigger for mitigation requirements for xeroriparian classes was changed from 10 percent or one acre of disturbance of the mapped habitat (whichever was less) to any disturbance of 1/3 acre or more now requires a mitigation plan. The Ordinance modifications were written to encourage property owners to avoid disturbing riparian areas, but it does not prohibit development within those areas. If a property owner demonstrates that disturbance of riparian habitat is not possible, then mitigation of affected habitat areas is mandated. Onsite mitigation is preferred since it helps provide continuity of habitat. Offsite mitigation and mitigation banking options are also available as alternative approaches to habitat conservation. Flood Control District 19 May 1997 Special Bond Election Project Update In May 1997, Pima County voters approved a wide-ranging county bond issue that included 14 flood control projects throughout the community. The table below provides a status update for each of the flood control bond projects. May 1997 Special Bond Election BOND PROJECT / DESCRIPTION PROJECT STATUS (as of 6/99) IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD & BOND FUNDING FC-1: Santa Cruz River Bank Stabilization, Grant Road to Fort Lowell Road – Design and construct 100-year bank stabilization along both banks. Design plans nearly completed. 2001/02 - 2002/03 $3,500,000 FC-2: Santa Cruz River Bank Stabilization, Valencia Road to Irvington Road – Design and construct 100-year bank stabilization along both banks. Project to be combined with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) Paseo de las Iglesias. 1999/2000 - 2002/03 $4,000,000 FC-3: Lower Santa Cruz River Levee, I-10 to Sanders Road – Design and construct 7.4 miles of earthen levee with soil-cement stabilization along the north bank, river side. Levee under construction as of March 1999. Completion anticipated in June 2000. 1997/98 - 2000/01 $6,000,000 FC-4: Mission View Wash Detention Basin – Design and construct a regional detention basin east of Park Avenue and south of 36th Street. Planning phase complete. Design to begin. 1999/2000 - 2000/01 $1,000,000 FC-5: City of Tucson, Urban Drainage Improvements – Design and construct high priority projects. Project selection discussion underway between City and County staff. 1997/98 - 2006/07 $2,000,000 FC-6: City of South Tucson, Urban Drainage Improvements – Design and construct several projects, consisting mostly of storm drains. Funds were used for South Fourth Avenue drainage improvements (combined with funds for FC-11). Projects completed. 1999/2000 - 2000/01 $900,000 FC-7: Town of Sahuarita, Urban Drainage Improvements – Design and construct drainage improvements at La Cañada Drive, Camino de las Quintas, and south of El Toro Road. Project discussions underway between Town and County staff. 1999/2000 - 2000/01 $500,000 FC-8: Town of Oro Valley, Urban Drainage Improvements – Design and construct drainage improvement projects, consisting mostly of roadway drainage crossings. Project discussions underway between Town and County staff. 1999/2000 - 2002/03 $350,000 FC-9: Green Valley Drainageway No. 9 Channel Improvements – Design and construct improvements to reduce the flood and erosion hazard to adjacent residential areas. Design underway. Public meeting held May 1999 to discuss proposed project and solicit input. Construction anticipated to begin in April 2000. 1999/2000 - 2000/01 $1,000,000 FC-10: Continental Vistas Drainageway Improvements – Design and construct bank stabilization to reduce the flood and erosion hazard to adjacent residential areas. Planning complete. Design to begin. 1999/2000 - 2000/01 $250,000 FC-11: South Tucson Fourth Avenue Drainage Improvements – Design and construct storm drains in conjunction with roadway improvements. Funds were combined with those for FC6, and storm drains were constructed in conjunction with South Fourth Avenue improvements. Projects completed. 1997/98 - 1998/99 $500,000 20 Flood Control District May 1997 Special Bond Election (cont.) BOND PROJECT / DESCRIPTION PROJECT STATUS (as of 6/99) IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD & BOND FUNDING FC-12: Fairview Avenue and Limberlost Drive Drainage Improvements – Design and construct a drainage channel to alleviate flooding in this area. Concept report completed with City of Tucson to resolve area drainage problems. Project on hold until implementation period. COT to review sources of funding for their additions to the project. 2001/02 - 2002/03 $500,000 FC-13: Holladay Street and Forrest Avenue Drainage Improvements – Design and construct roadway and associated drainage improvements to reduce flooding in this residential area. Preliminary planning to begin. 1999/2000 - 2002/03 $500,000 FC-14: Tucson Diversion Channel (TDC) Drainage Improvements – Design and construct improvements to the TDC and tributary channels to improve local drainage conditions. Preliminary planning to begin. 2001/02 - 2002/03 $500,000 Flood Control Bond Project Locations LAG OD EL OR PA O RK WA Y TORTOLITA MTN. PARK NCHO RA da ña Ca DR. SHANNON RD. LINDA VISTA Or ON RD TRAIL GT SOLDIER WENTWORTH MELPOMENE WAY HARRISON RD. HOUGHTON RD. CAMINO SECO FREEMAN RD. YO BE AR CANYON RD. OC A SAB IN PANTANO RD. KOLB RD. CRAYCROFT RD. WILMOT RD. ALVERNON WAY SWA N RD. COUNTRY CLUB RD. PALO LOS REALES OLD VAIL CONNECTION 10 RITA RD. HUGHES ACCESS RD. VALENCIA RD. WILMOT RD. SWAN RD. 19 OL D Ri n c S on C ree k L CAMINO LOMA ALTA RD IRVINGTON RD. AL COL OSS CAVE RD er z R iv US EC AN YO NR D. a C ru HO Sant DE L SOL PARK ESCALANTE RD. OLD ITE O. SAGUARO NATIONAL T U C S O N WH FC-10 CM MIS SIO N NT CO INE NT AL RD . GREEN VALLEY R. NOGALES H WY . FC-9 N Cr e e k GOLF LINKS RD. ALVERNON WAY LA CANADA DR. AB R E GO D NE de Ver sh Wa MI DI AI L . RE TANQUE VERDE RD. TR SAN XAVIER DISTRICT . FC-7 RD Y. SH NATION HW o an nt Pa TOHONO O'ODHAM 19 NA LI NI TOWN OF SAHUARITA TA Tanqu e BLVD. 12TH AVE. CARDINAL JOSEPH R D . CMO. VERDE SANDARIO RD FC-2 LOS REALES RD. ON HW Y. DREXEL RD. CA PA PCGDS 12/28/99 ep VALENCIA RD. NS BE SNYDER HILL RD PARK AVE. as FC-13 IRVINGTON RD. S SNYDER RD. 22ND ST. FC-14 AJO BOPP RD BROADWAY FC-4 6TH AVE. D R FC-6 h VA PO NTATOC HA CIE STONE AVE. FC-11 PARK S R D. SPEEDWAY BLVD. N VERDE D GRANT RD. NOGALES HWY. IN U AQ JO GREASEWOOD RD. SR S PAS GATE D FC-1 PARK AVE. CMO. DE OESTE R IRONWOOD HILLS DR. . N W DU R D. FORT LOWELL RD. MTN. B UTTE S UN R I S E D R . PRINCE RD. TUCSON IN TW R IV ER FC-12 EY N SA ck CAM PBE L 1ST AVE. WETMORE RD. A ND LB RD . KO r RUTHRAUFF AMINO DEL CERRO EL C R. GORET RD . RD SWEE TWAT E la L AV E SKYLINE DR. sh Wa ve n nyo Ca Ri NR abi no C reek D. GROVE RD. ana Rillito RD. RD. PARK B FOREST MAGEE NATIONAL N NATIONAL V e nt WADE RD . ORANGE SUNSET RD KI CORONADO DE LS OL LA CANADA FAR CORTARO INA SAGUARO o D. HARDY RD. RD PICTURE ROCKS RD del LAMBERT LN. S M SANDARIO RD TWIN PEAKS RD FC-8 NARANJA DR. LA CHOLLA BLVD. HARTMAN LN. 10 THORNYDALE RD. er AVRA VALLEY RD CMO. DE OESTE Riv WADE RD FC-3 CATALINA STATE PARK ORO VALLEY TANGERINE RD. O R A CLE R TANGERINE RD Santa C ru z GERHART RD. SANDERS RD MOORE RD MARANA D. LV MOORE RD 77 B O OS ST VI Flood Control District 21 Northwest Replenishment Program/Lower Santa Cruz Replenishment Project The Lower Santa Cruz Replenishment Project is a joint effort between the Pima County Flood Control District, the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) and the Town of Marana. The project consists of several groundwater recharge basins, located south of the main channel of the Santa Cruz River, that will be used to recharge Central Arizona Project water. Due to their proximity, earthen materials excavated to construct the basins are being put to use in constructing Water quality monitoring well dug for Marana high plains project. stage, with construction anticipated in 2000. The project is funded by the Pima County Flood Control District, the Town of Marana, Arizona Water Protection Fund and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Grant Programs Northwest replenishment basin under construction. the Lower Santa Cruz River Levee Project. The levee will extend approximately 7.3 miles along the northeast bank of the Santa Cruz River from just south of Avra Valley Road to Sanders Road. Construction of the basins began in March of 1999, with on-line operation expected by July 2000. Once completed, CAWCD will assume responsibility for operating the recharge facility. Northwest Replenishment Program/Marana High Plains Effluent Recharge Project Work began on a two-year pilot project to investigate the feasibility of using treated effluent as a groundwater recharge source. The project will draw treated effluent from the Santa Cruz River, approximately 10 miles downstream from two treatment plants, and recharge it in a series of constructed basins. The pilot project will evaluate issues such as the rate of recharge, groundwater quality effects, enhancing the value of riparian habitat and vector control concerns. Located near Sanders Road and the Santa Cruz River, the project is currently in the permitting and design 22 Flood Control District This past fiscal year, the District applied for and received grants from various agencies for two multiobjective projects located within the county. The grants included: Partners for Wildlife Grant – In FY 97/98, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) granted $20,000 to revegetate abandoned agricultural fields in the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve. The purpose of this effort was twofold: 1) to help reduce erosion; and 2) to enhance wildlife habitat. With the revegetation work completed last year, efforts this past year focused on site maintenance activities and monitoring newly revegetated areas. Arizona Water Protection Fund – The District, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and other volunteers, continued work on restoring riparian vegetation at the Bingham Cienega Natural Preserve located adjacent to the San Pedro River. Funds from a three-year award of $84,679 from the Arizona Water Protection Revegetation underway: Volunteers plant sacaton grass on retired farm parcel. Fund were used this year to plant Sacaton grass and riparian trees on retired farmland, and to restore historical habitat and preserve a rare spring-fed wetland. Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP) is a large scale initiative that seeks to address conservation of both cultural and natural resources in eastern Pima County. The plan contains six major elements: 1) ranch conservation; 2) historic and cultural preservation; 3) riparian restoration; 4) mountain parks; 5) conservation of habitat, biological resources and ecological corridors; and 6) critical and sensitive habitat preservation. Since December 1998, District staff has been closely involved with the riparian restoration element of the plan, and has supported the work of the Science and Technical Advisory Team (STAT). Further details about the SDCP project, including riparian habitat restoration activities, threatened and endangered species within the county, STAT meeting minutes, as well as other information is available from the SDCP Web site at www.co.pima.az.us/cmo/sdrp/index.html. Illustration by Bill Singleton Flood Control District 23 Flood Control Engineering Division The Flood Control Engineering Division oversees design and construction of flood control and drainage improvement projects within Pima County. Projects are completed by in-house staff or through outside consultants, with staff administering the contracts. Major projects in FY 98/99 are outlined below. Bank Stabilization Projects The District constructs bank stabilization along major watercourses within the county where flood and erosion hazards threatened public or private development and infrastructure. Bank stabilization designs are tailored to meet the needs of each specific project. Bank stabilization projects along major watercourses typically employ soil cement, which is a mixture of cement and local soil materials. Soil cement is a cost-effective flood and erosion control solution that has many of the strength characteristics of concrete. It also retains much of the appearance and textural quality of a natural riverbank. Bank stabilization projects undertaken in FY 98/99 include: Tanque Verde Creek at Castle Rock – The Flood Control District developed plans to place approximately 2,000 linear feet of gabion mattress bank protection along Tanque Verde Creek near Lakes of Castle Rock subdivision and the Fountain Hill subdivision. The project is awaiting final permits, and construction is expected to begin in March 2000. jacent to Craycroft Road Bridge. The project also includes preservation of riparian habitat along the north bank. Levee Projects When bank stabilization is constrained due to inadequate channel size, shape, or alignment, levees can be constructed to minimize flood and erosion hazards. Lower Santa Cruz River Levee – During the October 1983 event, extensive flooding resulted in three fatalities and catastrophic damages to residences, businesses, agricultural fields, transportation facilities, and other public infrastructures within northern Pima County and Marana. The same area also sustained damage during the 1990 and 1993 flood events. In seeking to resolve flood and erosion hazards in this area, in March 1999 the District began construction of a 7.3-mile long earthen levee armored with soil cement. Designed to provide protection from a 100-year flood event, the levee project is scheduled to be completed by June 2000. Green Valley Drainageway #9 – Funded through the May 1997 bond issuance, the District is currently planning improvements that will reduce flood and erosion hazards along this drainageway. The project features additional cells for the box culverts at Camino Portillo and Camino Holgado, as well as various types of bank protection based on adjacent improvements. Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2000. Tanque Verde Creek, Sabino Canyon to Craycroft – The District has started work with Pima County Wastewater Management and the ACOE to design and construct soil cement bank protection along portions of Tanque Verde Creek. Phase I of the project will protect the sanitary sewer facilities constructed by Pima County Wastewater Management along the south bank near Tucson Country Club. Phase 2 will involve bank protection extending along the south bank to the confluence of Pantano Wash and improvements on the north bank ad- 24 Flood Control District Soil-cement being placed on Lower Santa Cruz River levee. Avra Valley Road Extension – During the 1983 flood, residences located south of Avra Valley Road between Quarry Road and Wasson Road were inundated, making Avra Valley Road impassable from this area to the Santa Cruz River bridge. To resolve this problem, the Pima County Department of Transportation replaced the bridge with a new structure that will accommodate a 100-year flood event. In conjunction with the bridge improvement, the District began work to elevate Avra Valley Road adjacent to the bridge so that the roadway will also be passable during a 100-year event on the Santa Cruz River. As a result of this work, residents located south of Avra Valley Road will be removed from 100-year floodplain designation stemming from the Santa Cruz River. Construction will be completed in September 1999. acres of wetlands and construction of a seven-acre lake. The lake will support wildlife habitat and supply water for irrigation needs at Kino Sports Park. Construction is expected to begin in January 2000. Detention Basins Another structural flood control strategy used by the District is construction of detention basins. Detention basins allow for the temporary storage and metered release of flood waters. Control of flows exiting a detention basin during a storm event significantly decreases downstream flood peaks and, in turn, minimizes the potential for downstream inundation. Detention basin projects currently underway include: Arroyo Chico/Tucson Arroyo Project – Working in conjunction with the City of Tucson and the ACOE, the District continued planning work on a series of detention basins located near Park Avenue and Arroyo Chico. Phase 1 of this $27.5 million project involved the planning and construction of the Randolph South Detention Basin, which was completed in March 1996. Phase II of this project will entail a series of linked detention basins and other improvements near Park Avenue/Arroyo Chico. The project also calls for the replacement of existing sections of storm drains near the High School Wash and the Tucson Arroyo confluence. Ajo Detention Basin – The Ajo Detention Basin was constructed by the ACOE in the early 1960s to address a number of urban flooding problems. Using Federal Environmental Restoration funds, the Flood Control District, Pima County Wastewater Management and the ACOE will reconstruct the basin to incorporate wetlands, groundwater recharge and flood control features. The restoration element of the project will involve 20 Concept plan for Ajo Detention Basin restoration project. Environmental Restoration Projects In recent years, the District, the ACOE, and others have increasingly emphasized design and construction of multi-objective flood control projects. In this vein, the District and the ACOE have embarked on a number of flood control facilities that also entail environmental restoration, mitigation and recreation components. Major projects include: Rillito Creek Bank Stabilization/River Park – Following completion of the bank stabilization portion of this $39 million multi-phase effort, the District and the ACOE began construction of the final phase of this project. Sixteen pedestrian bridges and various linear park improvements, extending from the Santa Cruz River to La Cholla Boulevard and from Alvernon Way to Craycroft Road, are currently under construction. Completion of the project will provide a continuous river park path- Flood Control District 25 way along Rillito Creek from the Santa Cruz River to Craycroft Road. This phase of the project is expected to be completed by April 2000. Rillito/Swan Wetlands – In conjunction with the ACOE, the District is preparing a feasibility study to determine the costs and benefits of developing wetlands and enhancing riparian habitat along Rillito Creek. This project will be partially funded by the Corps’ Section 1135, Ecosystem Restoration Program. Other Projects Brand new pedestrian bridge ready for installation along Rillito Creek River Park. Santa Cruz River Park: Paseo de las Iglesias Restoration – Working in cooperation with the City of Tucson and the ACOE, the District has started a feasibility study to evaluate the possibility of restoring the Santa Cruz River in an area from the San Xavier Mission to downtown Tucson. This $40 million environmental restoration and mitigation project will be partially funded under the Challenge XXI Initiative for Flood Hazard Mitigation and Riverine Ecosystem Restoration. Design is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2000/2001 with construction expected to begin in fiscal year 2002/2003. Wetlands at Valencia I-19 Farmland Rehabilitation Project S an e ta C r u z R iv CAP Surface Flow Option from Pima Mine to Feed Recharge Lake r Concept plan for proposed restoration on Paseo de las Iglesias project. 26 Flood Control District Santa Cruz River Watershed Study – The Flood Control Engineering Division is participating with the ACOE, the City of Tucson, and Pima County Wastewater Management in a $2.4 million Santa Cruz River Basin Study. The study area includes the entire main stem of the Santa Cruz River within Pima County. The intent of the study is to identify flood and erosion hazards, evaluate hydrologic, hydraulic and geologic processes, identify potential development pressures, assess physical and cultural resources or constraints, evaluate flood and erosion control alternatives and establish recommended floodplain management policies. McClelland River Park – The District has started work on designing river park improvements in an area east of La Cholla Boulevard. The project will also include new parking and staging areas. Construction is expected to begin in March 2000. Other Divisions The District works cooperatively with other divisions within the Department of Transportation and Flood Control District. These divisions make important contributions to the District’s overall work product. Administrative Services Division The Administration Services Division staff plays a key role in helping prepare and monitor the District’s annual budget and its Capital Improvement Program. The division also provides various accounting services, personnel and employee support work, procurement activities and contract administration for goods and services required by the District. Field Engineering Division The Field Engineering Division administers construction of all District Capital Improvement Projects to ensure that flood control facilities are constructed in accordance with contract specifications and that they are completed within specified time and budget allocations. Typical activities include field inspection, materials testing and compliance, and resolving any construction-related discrepancies that may arise. The division’s Survey Section provides surveying and technical land information to the District for right-of-way determinations, drainageway alignments and flood control improvements. Maintenance Operations Division The Maintenance Operations Division staff inspects, maintains and repairs publicly-owned watercourses and related improvements within unincorporated Pima County. The division also maintains major watercourses and certain improvements located within the City of Tucson, and towns of Oro Valley, Marana and Sahuarita. sion include helping to negotiate acquisition of parcels under the District’s Floodprone Land Acquisition Program, right-of-way dedications and abandonments for capital facilities, and maintaining property inventory records for District-owned parcels. Technical Services Division The Technical Services Division provides an array of services for the District. The division’s Illustration Section provides illustration and graphic design services for numerous printed and electronic publications that the District develops. The GIS Database Services Section maintains various public works information using ArcInfo and AutoCad computer software. This section performs geographic information system analyses and produces maps and supporting data for many District projects. The Engineering Information Management Section houses, catalogues and disseminates engineering information, such as maps and records of street rights-of-way, easements, subdivision plats, construction plans, etc. Finally, the Network Operations Section provides computer technical support to ensure that all hardware and software systems are operational and support the computer needs of the District. Maintenance operations include repairing constructed improvements, removing sediment buildup, clearing vegetation and debris, regrading channels and maintaining drainageway access roads. When flooding occurs, staff responds promptly, prioritizes repair and maintenance needs and works diligently to ensure that any damage is repaired as soon as possible. Real Property Division The Real Property Division assists the District with an array of real property appraisal, acquisition and inventory management needs. Major activities of the divi- Flood Control District 27 COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES Pima County Department of Transportation State Agencies The District contracts with Pima County for services from divisions within the Department of Transportation, as follows: • Field Engineering Division • Maintenance Operations Division • Real Property Division • Technical Services Division • Administrative Services Division The District coordinates activities with the following state agencies: • Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) • Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) • Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) • Arizona State Land Department Other Pima County Departments Federal Government The District cooperates with several other Pima County Departments on various projects and exchanges information as needed. • Development Services Department • Wastewater Management Department (WWM) • Department of Environmental Quality • Parks and Recreation Department • County Attorney’s Office • Tucson-Pima County Office of Emergency Management • Health Department Several federal agencies participate in local flood control projects, as listed below: • U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) • Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) • U. S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) • U. S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) • National Weather Service (NWS) • U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) • U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Local Governments The District has entered into intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) to provide specific flood control or floodplain management services to, or to jointly fund flood control activities with, the following: • City of Tucson • City of South Tucson • Town of Oro Valley • Town of Marana • Town of Sahuarita Pima Association of Governments (PAG) PAG facilitates coordination among local government agencies, including the District, on environmental matters affecting the community. 28 Flood Control District Non Government Organizations Other non-governmental agencies that the District works with include: • The Nature Conservancy (TNC) • Cortaro-Marana Irrigation District (CMID) • Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) • Metropolitan Domestic Water Improvement District (MDWID) • University of Arizona (U of A) Office Locations Pima County Flood Control District Public Works Building 201 North Stone Avenue, 4th Floor Tucson, Arizona 85701-1215 Floodplain Management Division (520) 740-6350 Flood Control Engineering Division (520) 740-6371 Pima County Department of Transportation Public Works Building 201 North Stone Avenue Tucson, Arizona 85701-1215 Administrative Services Division (520) 740-6433 Real Property Division (520) 740-6313 Transportation Systems Division (520) 740-6458 Technical Services Division (520) 740-6670 Mission Road Office 1313 South Mission Road Tucson, Arizona 85713 Operations Division (520) 740-2639 Field Engineering Division (520) 740-2635