PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA R EGIONAL FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT 2004/2005 ANNUAL R EPORT PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA R EGIONAL FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT VISION The District will continue to be a leader in providing quality flood protection and floodplain management services within Pima County. MISSION The Pima County Regional 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. ADMINISTRATION 2004/2005 BOARD OF DIRECTORS (BOARD OF SUPERVISORS) Richard Elías, Chairman, District 5 Ann Day, District 1 Ramón Valadez, District 2 Sharon Bronson, District 3 Raymond J. Carroll, District 4 FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Jim Hossley, Town of Oro Valley Paul Cella, District 4 Jennifer Christelman, Town of Marana Mike Zeller, Chair, City of Tucson Andy Dinauer, City of Tucson Scott Altherr, District 3 Linwood Smith, City of Tucson Richard Salaz, City of South Tucson Phil Pearthree, 2nd Vice Chair, District 5 Doug Shakel, Vice Chair, District 1 Vacant, District 2 Martin Roush, Town of Sahuarita GENERAL MANAGER (COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR) C. H. Huckelberry PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR John M. Bernal CHIEF ENGINEER AND DIRECTOR R EGIONAL FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT Suzanne Shields DEPUTY DIRECTOR, R EGIONAL FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT Chris Cawein MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF ENGINEER O ur constituents are often surprised to learn that our dry, desert region holds the potential for major flooding events that can cause widespread inundation and damage. As we have all witnessed, our normally dry rivers and wash channels can become raging rivers literally overnight, and sometimes, even in minutes. More than 130 miles of major watercourses and a vast network of smaller, tributary watercourses traverse eastern Pima County. Adjacent to these waterways are over 230,000 acres of federally mapped flood hazard areas or 100-year floodplains. These areas have a significantly higher probability of flooding. The Pima County Regional Flood Control District’s job is to minimize and ultimately eliminate the danger of flood and erosion hazards throughout Pima County. The District strives to find cost-effective and practical flood control solutions that will benefit the entire community. Although the District has accomplished a great deal since its inception in 1978, we continue to work toward new and innovative ways to meet the challenging flood control needs in Pima County and surrounding communities. In addition, the District maintains a myriad of programs such as water resources, riparian management, and flood warning and emergency preparedness to name a few. The District’s efforts in fiscal year 2004/05 made a significant contribution toward minimizing flood and erosion hazards for Pima County residents and their property. I hope you’ll take some time to read this year’s annual report, which details the District’s many multi-faceted activities. This year’s and all previous annual reports are available at: www.rfcd.pima.gov. Suzanne Shields, P.E. Chief Engineer and Director Regional Flood Control District 4 RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 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 (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. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The goals and objectives of the District repre s ent b ot h f lo o d c ont rol a nd resource protection views and vary from traditional f lood control approaches bec au se of a mu lt i-benef it publ ic 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 policy goals and objectives have been adopted by the Board as part of the District’s Floodplain and Erosion Hazard Management Ordinance: • To meet or exceed state and federal requirements relating to floodplain management. • To minimize flood and erosion damages. • To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and erosion, usually undertaken at the expense of the general public. • To establish minimum flood protection elevations and damage protection requirements for structures and other types of development. • To regulate encroachment and building development within areas subject to flooding or erosion. • To encourage the most effective expenditures of public money for flood control projects. • 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 encourage the preservation of natural washes and enhance the riverine environment. RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 5 DISTRICT ORGANIZATION The District is organized into three main divisions based on the major functions of each group: 1) the Floodplain Management Division; 2) the Flood Control Engineering Division; and 3) the Water Resources Division. The District receives substantial support from the Pima County Department of Transportation. 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, Environmental Quality, Graphic Services, and the Pima County Attorney’s Office. The District pays for services rendered by Pima County departments through interdepartmental fund transfers from the District to Pima County. As noted, the Board 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 12member 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 6 RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 DISTRICT ACTIVITIES SERVICE PROGRAMS Customer Service Public outreach activities assist in conveying the abundant information created by the District throughout the years. Flood awareness, flood preparedness, and safety are major themes along with groundwater recharge, watershed protection and riparian habitat conservation. Public Information and Education District staff and Community Relations staff provided Monsoon Safety materials to KOLD-TV to develop a $10,000 public service announcement broadcast on local TV and radio stations during the summer monsoon season. Flood Control Engineering’s excellent video of floodwaters filling the Silvercroft Wash was featured in the message promoting driving safety on flooded public roadways. Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 2005 at Agua Caliente Park. The District’s theme was Fundamentals in Water. Fourth and fifth graders learned about the dangers of flooded washes and received information on creating a family disaster kit. The children played a game to help them understand how rainwater gets to the aquifer. The District did an experiment to see which portions of the aquifer held more water, sand v. gravel, etc. In addition, a discussion was held to determine what should be packed into a family emergency kit including making their own pack with activities for them and toys for their pets. In May 2005, the District sent 235,000 Flood Safety Flyers with Tucson Water utility bills within Pima County. Public Works Week May 15-21, 2005 On May 19, 2005, District staff along with other Public Works departments, the City of Tucson, the Town of Marana, the City of South Tucson, and Pima Association of Governments participated in the 3rd Annual Southern Arizona Public Works Week Fair. Each jurisdiction provided displays and information on the services and facilities they provide to the public. District World Wide Web Site District staff has implemented a new online feature at www.dot.pima.gov/flood/ intranet/fpservices/ that allows users to search and view information about floodplain use permits, drainage complaints and violations. Part of an on-going effort to automate various office functions, the new application extends access to this information to users including the Board of Supervisors, their aides, county managers, and others. The on-line access now gives these users the ability to view data in real time while assisting constituents. The detail report pages provide current status, outcome and other details about these key services. The application also includes an integral mapping function that allows users to view maps or aerial photographs of the affected parcels. RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 7 INTERNAL BUSINESS PROCESSES Providing prompt, high quality service to external and internal customers is the goal of the Floodplain Management Section. In order to achieve this goal, the section’s staff meets twice each month to discuss process improvements. In 2003, work began on reviewing and updating several standard operating procedures to better serve the public. Several improvements were implemented such as placing additional layers of resource material on the geographic information system to advance project reviews and processing times; creating databases for elevation certificates; improving and adopting updated record keeping processes. Drainage Maintenance Process Improvement The Maintenance Operations and Floodplain Management divisions work together to resolve drainage problems affecting public safety. There are many causes for drainage problems that staff diligently works toward understanding, correcting, and ultimately preventing future problems. Process improvements embrace better communication between staff. Meetings are held to resolve large watershed problems or development projects and to improve drainage design and construction methods for development projects to reduce maintenance needs and costs. These ongoing discussions integrate small projects to remedy the smaller problems with capital improvement projects. Permits Plus In 2005, the District began working with the Pima County Development Services Department to improve the permit review process using the Permits Plus system. Permits Plus is a computer tracking program used by Development Services to manage Activity Permits (i.e., building permits, exterior wall permits, grading permits, etc.). This program will streamline the overall permitting process, which will allow the District to be more efficient and effective in serving our community. Unified Hydrology In January of 2005, the District began holding monthly meetings with all local jurisdictions to promote a Unified Hydrologic Model for eastern Pima County. The long-term goal is to produce a seamless county and municipal-wide stormwater planner that could be incorporated into each agency’s GIS system. The results will provide proper drainage infrastructure sizing that will meet any jurisdictions’ requirements and eliminate the current practice of reanalyzing infrastructure design for each jurisdiction. The use of NOAA IVX rainfall values as well as the HEC HMS hydrologic software will ultimately allow users to obtain watershed data via the District’s web site. MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS Water Resources and Riparian Habitat Management This program consists of activities intended to prevent flooding, erosion and riparian habitat loss by means other than constructing structural flood control improvements. The District promotes and supports regional riparian restoration with the intent that it will result in some level of recovery of natural functions within riverine systems. 8 RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 Floodprone Land Acquisition Report for Fiscal Year 2004/05 Acquisitions throughout Pima County during 2004/05 totaled 72.22 with the majority of those purchases being along the Cañada del Oro (CDO) Wash near Catalina. Twelve parcels totaling 36 acres were added to the CDO FLAP inventory during 2004/05 bringing the total acreage to 204 acres of land obtained since the floods of August 2003. Nearly two million dollars was spent during this fiscal year for additional properties. The District is fortunate to have received a $3,000,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is helping with acquisition costs. Ongoing efforts among the Catalina neighborhood residents, the District, and Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation over the past year for an equestrian-oriented regional park are closer to being a reality! Hiking and nature trails, some sports fields, bird-watching areas, ramada and picnic spaces, and linkages to Catalina State Park are all planned for this area. Floodplain and Erosion Hazard Management Ordinance Revisions During fiscal year 2004/05, the FPMO was revised to strengthen both public safety elements as well as protection of Pima County’s natural resources (Riparian Habitat Protection & Mitigation). Updated riparian classification maps were included in the proposed amendment. The FCDAC was instrumental in providing oversight and comment on staff’s efforts. Extensive public input was sought through a series of focus group meetings with members of the development community and the conservation community plus numerous public meetings. Public comment was incorporated into the final draft Ordinance amendment. The FPMO amendment will be presented to the BOS for adoption during a public hearing to be held in August of 2005, following a 30-day public notice period. FISCAL YEAR STATISTICS A total of 30,400 customers were served in 2004/05 for average of 2,500 customers per month. The services provided included: • Issued an average of 54 Floodplain Use Permits per month. • Investigated an average of 26 drainage complaints per month. • Processed approximately 541 Flood Hazard Information Sheets per month. • Assisted an average of 476 customers at the counter per month. • Reviewed an average of 1,430 permits per month. Flood Warning and Emergency Preparedness The Flood Warning Program encompasses the District’s Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time (ALERT) System, which consists of approximately 85 automatic selfreporting precipitation gauges, 32 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 evaluated incoming data to monitor changing flood conditions. The NWS also uses the information when issuing flash flood warnings and advisories. RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 9 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The main responsibility of District staff in the Floodplain Management Program is to enforce provisions of the Pima County Floodplain and Erosion Hazard Management Ordinance. This ordinance, prepared in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), includes regulations and requirements designed to minimize f lood damage and losses throughout the community. This important goal is accomplished largely through review and the issuance of Floodplain Use Permits, detailed site reviews for potential development, and investigation of drainage and flood-related complaints. Flood Hazard Information Sheets provide a succinct listing of a parcel’s floodplain status. Customers are assisted by phone, fax or in person. FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the guidelines of the Flood Insurance Study Program (FIS) publishes Flood Insurance Rates Maps (FIRMs). The District works in conjunction with FEMA to identify floodprone areas. The FIRMs display flood hazard zones and other relevant hydrological information and are used to set insurance rates for flood hazard areas within Pima County. Federal, state, and local floodplain management regulations apply to development and other activities that take place within designated flood hazard zones. The District has launched a program to design and provide the most current FIRM information on the Internet with search capacities and aerial photography. This Combined Map Repository would cover the cities of Tucson and South Tucson, the towns of Oro Valley, Marana, and Sahuarita and the unincorporated areas of Pima County. This project required: • A coordinated technical review of the digital FIRM data. • Further rectification of property boundaries with the Geographic Information System (GIS) data. • Correction of the floodplain boundaries shown on the FIRMs. • Identification of floodplains that need re-mapping. • Establishing procedures resulting in correct digital projections of floodplain boundaries. One of the most significant LOMRs was associated with the Big Wash Levee, which protects the Northwest Hospital in the Town of Oro Valley. Hospitals are designated by FEMA as critical facilities and must be protected from a 500-year flood event. The District worked in partnership with the Town of Oro Valley via an established Intergovernmental Agreement and with FEMA to force modifications to the levee to meet this higher standard. Current floodplain remapping projects include the Pima Wash, Cañada Del Oro Wash, and Ventana Canyon Wash. The District is also pursing to become a Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) with FEMA to improve the floodplain mapping processes. 10 RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 INFRASTRUCTURE Cañada Del Oro Wash Levee Survey The District performed a survey of the Cañada Del Oro Wash Levee System in Town of Oro Valley. The District is responsible for the maintenance of the levee within Oro Valley via an Intergovernmental Agreement. The District will coordinate the levee maintenance activities as they develop a linear park system within the levee right-of-way. PIMA COUNTY UNDERGOES CRS AUDIT In March 2005, a representative of the Community Rating System (CRS) performed Pima County’s 5-year audit. The audit is a routine part of the CRS voluntary incentive program, which rates communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program. For CRS participating communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted in increments of 5% (a Class 1 community would receive a 45% premium discount, while a Class 9 community would receive a 5% discount, where as a Class 10 is not participating in the CRS and receives no discount). The CRS classes for local communities are based on 18 creditable activities, organized under four categories: 1) Public Information, 2) Mapping and Regulations, 3) Flood Damage Reduction, and 4) Flood Preparedness. Pima County is a Class 6 community, which is in the top 5% of all participating communities. With efforts being made to increase community awareness and education regarding flood hazards and regulations, Pima County is hoping to be upgraded to a Class 5 community, which would mean an additional 5% reduction in insurance rates for all property owners purchasing flood insurance. Currently, Pima County residents receive a 20% discount on flood insurance. Every year, Pima County seeks ways to improve its class rating. RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 11 R ESTORATION AND RIVER PARKS CATALINA After the Aspen Fire and significant flooding that occurred along the Cañada del Oro wash thru Catalina in the summer of 2003, the District continued acquiring flood damaged and floodprone properties through fiscal year 2004-05. By the end of the fiscal year, the vast majority of property owners (nearly 95%) that lived in homes situated within the floodway of the Cañada del Oro Wash between the Miraval Resort and Catalina State Park and constructed before flood control regulations were adopted, had voluntarily sold their properties to the District. Only four property owners in or immediately adjacent to the floodway of the CDO elected not to sell to the District. Thus, the raging floodwaters of the approximate 25-year storm event of August 2003 convinced residents that there are very real flood dangers that had been emphasized in the original flood insurance study for Pima County. The acquired properties consisted of 67 mostly contiguous parcels of land sold by 57 owners that totaled nearly 200 acres. Total acquisition and relocation costs for the properties exceeded $10 million dollars. As the cleanup process and interim management of the purchased properties progressed during the year, significant efforts were made in the planning and development of a regional park, which was most appropriate for the area. An initial public meeting with the Catalina community in November 2004 indicated a strong desire for local input into the park’s planning process; subsequently, the Catalina Regional Park Advisory Committee was assembled by Supervisor Ann Day and a series of meetings were held to formulate a park plan. After numerous meetings and discussions, a concept park plan emphasizing the retention of open space, the cultural character of the area was conceived and presented to the community. Working closely with the Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Department, the District began the process to plan for and design the park in accordance with the plan developed by the Advisory Committee through the second half of the fiscal year. This park area was also integrated into a larger County vision of completing the linear park along the CDO from the Pinal County line to the confluence with the Santa Cruz River. 12 RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 SWAN WETLANDS The Rillito/Swan Wetlands is an ecosystem restoration project being conducted with the USACOE. The project will enhance approximately 60 acres of riparian habitat between Craycroft Road and Columbus Boulevard along the south bank of Rillito Creek. Following the completion of the feasibility phase, the Board of Supervisors and USCOE signed a Project Cooperation Agreement in fiscal year 2004/05. Construction is expected to begin in fiscal year 2005/06. CORTARO MESQUITE BOSQUE The District is in the design phase of a riparian habitat restoration project called the Cortaro Mesquite Bosque. The project site is adjacent to the west bank of the Santa Cruz River upstream of Avra Valley Road within the Town of Marana. Approximately 80 acres of riparian woodland and Sonoran desert scrub will be re-established on the lower Santa Cruz River floodplain. Water harvesting from tributary washes will supplement irrigation for the vegetation. The project will allow passive recreation opportunities such as walking and birding, and serve as open space. A path will connect the project with the Town of Marana’s river park path, which will be utilized as a portion of the historic Arizona Anza Trail and eventually connect to other regional trail systems. This project complements other efforts by Pima County Cultural Resources and the Town of Marana at the northern end of the Tucson Mountains to improve habitat conditions, highlight cultural history of the region, and maintain landscape connectivity in a rapidly urbanizing area. Construction is expected to begin in 2006/2007. RILLITO RIVER LINEAR PARK: ALVERNON TO CRAYCROFT In 1996, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the District completed soil cement bank protection along the Rillito River from Alvernon Way to Craycroft Road. In 2000, the Corps completed the paved pathway on the north bank, a decomposed granite pathway on the south bank, pedestrian bridges over major washes, and an irrigation supply system. The District’s goal is to enhance the existing vegetation along this reach and provide amenities in the form of additional paved trails, parking and staging areas to improve the quality of this segment of linear park. An extensive Design Concept report has been completed, and the District will be seeking a design consultant and Construction Manager at Risk to complete the development and construction of this project over the next two years. RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 13 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS Arroyo Chico Detention Basins The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in cooperation with the District and the City of Tucson are developing a series of regional detention basins along Arroyo Chico and other associated channel and storm drain work. This $27.5 million flood control project will protect residents and businesses in downtown Tucson by removing 220 residents from the 100-year floodplain. Construction of the Tucson Drainage/Arroyo Chico project will take approximately 30 months beginning in February 2006. Construction of the Park Avenue Detention Basins will include development of the detention basins, relocating the historical foot bridge, construction of pedestrian/ animal walk-through drainage culverts, elevating the Highland Avenue roadway crossing, re-establishment and expansion of the paved pedestrian and bicycle pathway, replanting of native plants to establish riparian habitat within the basins, and two small community turf areas. The Tucson Unified School District’s Cherry Field will become a combination of flood basin and athletic fields with a new locker room/classroom/snack bar building, a new parking lot, a new maintenance building, new field lights, new dugouts, backstops, a batting cage, and built-in bleachers. The project will also include construction of a storm drain under the Tucson High School football field south to the 3rd Avenue and 8th Street intersection, and enlarging the existing upstream channel from Campbell Avenue to Parkway Terrace with new roadway culvert crossings at Plummer, Olsen, and Norris avenues. Holladay Forrest Drainage Improvements In order to eliminate repeated local flooding of homes in the neighborhood northwest of Mission and Drexel roads, the District designed a drainage swale and berm system to collect roadside and sheet flows, and a storm drain system to carry the flood waters to an existing downstream channel. Construction of the project began February 14, 2005 and was substantially completed on June 16, 2005. Silvercroft Wash Pedestrian Bridge The District has designed a pedestrian bridge across Silvercroft Wash to provide for continuous pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian access along the west bank of the Santa Cruz River extending access from Grant Road north to Silverbell Golf Course. Construction of the bridge began June 1, 2005 and is expected to take six months to complete. Earp Wash The District completed an in-house design of a 10-acre detention basin, and documents are being submitted for environmental and cultural resources permitting. Construction of the project is anticipated in December 2005, and will take approximately six months to complete. Kino Hospital/Tucson Diversion Channel Drainage Improvements In conjunction with improvements to the Kino Hospital complex, the District is contributing to the channel drainage improvements through this vital community complex. Construction of drainage improvements began in May 2005 and completion is expected by November 2005. 14 RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 Ajo, Arizona Ajo, Arizona is an unincorporated community located within Pima County, and lies approximately 160 miles west of Tucson, Arizona. On July 29, 2003, the community of Ajo experienced a severe thunderstorm that produced approximately 1.3 inches of rain in just over one hour. Flooding occurred to businesses and residents along the Gibson Arroyo and upstream tributaries located south of the arroyo. The District hired a consultant to collect data, evaluate the flooding, and to recommend potential areas for improvement. The report recommended that the Second Avenue Bridge be replaced and that a flood detention facility be considered on the old Curley School Football field. The District is developing both of these recommendations. Second Avenue Bridge Replacement The District is currently in the process of hiring a consultant to develop the bridge design alternatives for the crossing. Initial concepts include a new concrete box culvert or bridge that will meet current roadway standards, and the District will evaluate whether or not relocating the bridge to another street will benefit the community. Curley School Site Detention Basin The District is currently in the process of hiring a consultant to develop design criteria for a flood detention facility on the old Curley High School football field site. The District is also in the process of securing adequate land to accommodate the final design of the basin. RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 15 ENVIRONMENTAL & WATER RESOURCES PROJECTS Environmenta l restoration c apita l improvement projects are intended to protect and/or enhance riparian habitat and promote groundwater recharge utilizing a combination of constructing structural improvements and planting native habitat El Rio Antiguo El Rio Antiguo is an ecosystem restoration project being developed in cooperation with the USACOE. Goals of the project include habitat restoration, restoration of natural river functions, stormwater harvesting, and providing passive recreational opportunities along the Rillito River between Craycroft Road and Campbell Avenue. El Rio Medio This study is a cooperative effort by the Corps, the District, and the City of Tucson to analyze ecosystem restoration, flood control improvements, river park trail development, and water recharge development along the Santa Cruz River between Congress Street and Prince Road. This study, in conjunction with the Paseo de las Iglesias and Tres Rio del Norte studies, will complete an environmental, hydrological and economic cost and benefit review of the Santa Cruz River ecosystem restoration within the Tucson metropolitan area. Methods being considered for possible implementation of the project include a variety of water harvesting features, irrigation, riverbank terracing, and reestablishment of native trees, shrubs, and riparian communities. Paseo de las Iglesias Environmental Restoration Feasibility Study Paseo de las Iglesias is an ecosystem restoration study being conducted in cooperation with the Corps with input from the City of Tucson and other stakeholders. The study has evaluated ecosystem restoration, flood control improvements, and river park trail development along seven miles of the Santa Cruz River historic floodplain upstream from Congress Street. The Feasibility Study phase began with a public meeting held in early 2001. The Feasibility Study report was completed in August 2004 and sent to Corps headquarters for final review. The project design is expected to begin by 2008. The recommended alternative includes restored mesquite bosques on river terraces and floodplains. Watercourse areas will be bordered by mesquite and palo verde, woodland and Sonoran desert scrub species. Riverbanks will be laid-back and/ or terraced and planted. Water harvesting features will be incorporated and irrigation will be provided. Recreational elements will include the Juan Bautista National Historical Trail and other amenities. Tres Rio del Norte The Tres Rios del Norte project is an Environmental Restoration Study being conducted in cooperation with the USACOE, the Town of Marana, and the City of Tucson. The project area covers 18 miles of the Santa Cruz River in northern Pima County. Proposed restoration efforts focus on using available resources such as stormwater runoff and discharged effluent to enhance riparian habitat. Other features include structures to enhance groundwater recharge and channel stability, and a trail system. This feasibility study is expected to be concluded early in 2006. 16 RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM PROJECT SPECIFIC EXPENDITURES FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2004 - JUNE 30, 2005 Project No. Project Name Planning Design Construction Cost Other Project Total 102,382 456 92,231 7,645 89 202,347 1,373 69,034 41,679 21,557 23,167 3,731 131,110 29,688 1 El Rio Medio 2 Rillito River Linear Park Casa Adobes 3 SCR/Grant/Ft. Lowell 4 SCR Valencia/Irvington 5 Arroyo Chico 6 Ajo Detention/Safety 7 TV CR-Craycroft/Sabino 51,451 8 Massingale Detention Spillway 50,014 9 Continental Vistas Erosion 1,129 10 Mission View 11 Holladay/Forrest 12 Ajo Detention Wetlands 13 Rillito/Swan Wetlands 14 Rillito Env. Restoration (Antiguo) 15 16 ROW Acquisition 757 70,863 2,044 88,447 3,847 168,376 2,709 27,859 2,709 30,850 404 395,752 82,705 4,361 450,127 4,923 2,385 1,178 1,850 71,306 34,373 1,357 911,583 7,912 955,225 10,744 5,851 46,013 93,380 155,988 40,419 8,437 709,133 -3,665 723 2,596 5 708,792 2,731 2,057 379,502 132 593 385,015 Cortaro Mesquite Bosque 58,416 2,377 13,277 8,353 82,423 Tres Rios del Norte 29,340 3,671 21,697 81,704 26,996 17 City of Tucson/Earp Wash 106,279 2,480 1,035 47,180 156,974 18 Paseo de las Iglesia 88,200 10,397 4,435 18,187 6,437 127,656 19 Aqua Caliente at Tanque Verde 30,354 11,723 5,114 4,569 51,760 20 South Tucson Library 55,842 31,763 338,594 296 426,495 21 Columbus Wash 14 785 22 Sahuarita/ La Cañada 1,294 500,000 23 Urban Drainage 2,124 3,430 251 5,805 24 River Rd./Camino Real 68,151 112,744 2,577 353,015 771 169,543 501,294 25 Camino Verde 44,505 5,285 18 26 River Rd./Campbell/Alvernon 9,434 121,024 9,295 2,474 5,607 147,834 27 Floodprone Land Acquisition (Non Bond) 25,738 22,560 725,191 22,623 6,077 802,189 28 Silvercroft Wash Ped. Bridge 4,170 53,856 5,477 3,922 223 67,648 11,196 49,808 29 Kino Hospital / Tucson Div. 30 Juvenile Detention Center 31 Ajo, Curley School Detention 32 Ajo, 2nd Ave. Bridge Replace. 6,027 14,743 33 Green Valley Erosion 35,528 28,321 63,849 34 Rillito Linear Park Alv-Craycroft 197 3,536 3,733 3,863 8,551 12,000 1,128 23,196 1,514 2,390 35 Green Valley Abrego 36 SCR: Ajo to 29th 1,863 65 286,204 37 SCR: Grant to Camino Del Cerro 10,697 3,436 436 1,174 38 Rillito: Campbell to Alvernon 9,434 121,024 9,295 2,474 39 SCR: Continental Ranch 3,269 767 15,056 23,160 286,204 1,928 109 15,743 5,607 147,834 4,145 RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 17 Project No. Project Name Planning Design ROW Acquisition Construction Cost Other Project Total 1,306,091 90,885 67,902 1,582,710 10,632 798 34,501 41 CDO Floodplain 117,832 42 Canoa Ranch 10,479 12,592 25,839 25,839 30,890 111,749 43 Lower Rillito: La Cholla/I-10 44 Carmack Wash 80,859 45 Sahuarita Drainage 34,730 46 San Xavier Estates 13,073 13,073 47 Ajo Master Drainage 115,602 115,602 48 Tucson Diversion Channel 49 2004 Bond Floodprone Land Acquisition 50 Tohono O’odham 34,730 156 5,842 5,998 2,910 2,910 374,555 51 Pasqua Yaqui 52 Ajo Detention Basin: Piping Mods 91,828 16,201 53 Cortaro Farms 51,502 444 54 Cienega/Empirita 374,555 34,000 34,000 24,495 4 354,528 51,946 20,625 10 20,635 Ajo 40 Y WA DEL RK LAG O R D. GT ON SOLDIER TRAIL Ag ua C ali en te RD ON OC AN BEAR CANYON RD. . Sabino Creek A SBI N WENTWORTH r FREEMAN RD. MELPOMENE WAY HARRISON RD. HOUGHTON RD. CAMINO SECO KOLB RD. CRAYCROFT RD. WILMOT RD. PO NTATO C DE ALVERNON WAY COUNTRY CLUB RD. r BLVD. VERDE 6TH AVE. PARK AVE. PALO HUGHES ACCESS RD. OLD VAIL CONNECTION OL WILMOT RD. VALENCIA RD. 10 D S R in con Creek L CAMINO LOMA ALTA LOS REALES SWAN RD. ALVERNON WAY CARDINAL HW Y. RITA RD. 19 PARK sh Wa SAN XAVIER DISTRICT NATIONAL AI TOHONO O'ODHAM NATION PANTANO RD. LS OL CA MP BE LL A VE HA CI 1ST AVE. STONE AVE. GREASEWOOD RD. CMO. DE OESTE RD . J O S EP H . N SAGUARO GOLF LINKS RD. N 16 T U C S OESCALANTE RD. 6 IRVINGTON RD. 23 LOS REALES RD. NOGALES HWY. RD PA D. OR ACLE R DR. 12TH AVE. LA C A NA D A DR. Cr ON DREXEL RD. DI TANQUE VERDE RD. TR nt a NY 25 RE H Sa CA 4 25 IS uz L SE CMO. VERDE HWY . 33 OU 15 VALENCIA RD. 26 C Ta ee k nq ue Verde C 22ND ST. 14 ON 29 BROADWAY 7 SNYDER RD. 27 no CM O DEL SO EH 5 17 Y a nt Pa PCGS 11/04 af 86 RD. N PA . SNYDER HILL RD HIT RD R. A BR E GO D RD SANDARIO OL r R i v eD NOGALES 10 13 SPEEDWAY BLVD. AJO WAY IRVINGTON RD. 18 GRANT RD. 28 BOPP RD h SUNR I S E DR . 34 FORT LOWELL RD. PARK W INE NT AL 1 D EN RIV PRINCE RD. NS NT CO GREEN VALLEY 3 21 BE E 24 IRONWOOD HILLS DR. D MIN 11 32A LB RD. KO R L VA 2 River WETMORE RD. ER R. GORET RD . RD D IN U R 19 to sh Wa er EY N AQ JO DU RD. RD. Ri v S AS SP GATE IN N TUCSON FOREST on any z Cru K SA 30 . RD gle Pe aC anta Ril li MTN. 19 MAGEE SKYLINE DR. AMINO DEL CERRO SWEE T WAT E TOWN OF SAHUARITA NATIONAL sh Wa n Venta INA PARK Bl ac kW as CORONADO HARDY RD. S EL C N ro lO de LA CANADA WADE RD S 12 NATIONAL RD. da RD . 22 PICTURE ROCKS RD SAGUARO BUTT ES RA NC SHANNON RD. CORTARO FA R CATALINA STATE PARK NARANJA DR. Ca LINDA VISTA SUNSET RD IN TW SO LAMBERT LN. M SANDARIO RD THORNYDALE RD. 20 TWIN PEAKS RD CMO. DE OESTE zR iver AVRA VALLEY RD O IST OV ORO VALLEY TANGERINE RD. HARTMAN LN. 8 WAD E RD RD TANGERINE RD ña LA CHOLLA BLVD. 9 San ta C r u GERHART RD. L SANDERS RD BE L MOORE RD 10 MOORE RD SIL VE R H MARANA GRIER RD PARK AVE. TRICO-MARANA RD ORO TORTOLITA MTN. PARK COLOSSAL CAVE PARK 18 RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 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. Information on the District tax levy rate is shown in the table at right. UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS ENGINEERS (USACOE) OF In addition to direct cash received from the federal government, the District received monies for in-kind services from the USACOE. Some projects under our cost share financial agreement are as follows: • El Rio Medio $65,000 • Arroyo Chico $862,000 • Paseo de las Iglesias $252,000 • El Rio Antiguo $386,000 • Tres Rios del Norte $650,000 TOTAL $2,215,000 EXPENDITURES The table on page 16 provides information on capital project expenditures for FY 2004/05. Project numbers shown in the table correspond to the projects shown on the map on page 17. The remainder of District expenditures goes toward debt services and operating expenses, which include funds allocated for maintenance of flood control structures, floodplain management, planning, and administration activities. A detailed breakdown of the District’s finances is provided on page 19. FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TAX LEVY RATE 1981 TO 2003 FISCAL YEAR ENDING LEVY RATE* TAX 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 2000 0.3046 $10,327,151 2001 0.3046 $10,414,427 2002 0.3546 $13,713,102 2003 0.3546 $14,467,389 *Per $100 assessed value **Unaudited RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 19 Financial Highlights for Fiscal Year 2004/2005 Breakdown of Expenditures Revenues Capital Improvements The primary source of revenue is the District’s secondary property tax levy of $0.3546 per $100 of real property assessed valuation. In 2004/05, the District received approximately $17.4 million dollars in tax levy revenue. Other local sources of revenue include revenue for capital improvements from the sale of general obligation (GO) bonds ($2.1 million) and reimbursements for other funds ($0.3 million). The total revenue from all sources in FY 2004/05 was $19.8 million. Expenditures The total expenditures for the District in FY 2004/05 were approximately $15.8 million. The Capital Improvement Program expenditures of $8.1 million were direct capital expenses. The annual operating budget for the District was approximately $6.7 million. The other significant expenditure was $1.0 million in debt service for flood control bonds. The expenditures for capital improvements include engineering service costs for planning and design; construction costs; right-of-way acquisition costs; and other costs such as preparing new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps once a capital project is completed Property Tax, Regional Flood Control District ........... 87.9% Federal Participation ................... 0% Bond Proceeds........................ 10.4% Other Funds.............................. 1.7% Total Revenue.......................... 100% Capital Improvements . .......... 51.8% Operating Budget .................. 42.4% Debt Service.............................. 5.8% Total Expenses......................... 100% Operating Budget The District’s operating budget includes administrative, personnel, supplies and service costs associated with Flood Control Support, Flood Prevention and Riparian Protection. Flood Control Support Services include programs such as customer service, permits, public education, and financial management. Flood Prevention Services include maintenance, flood warning, emergency preparedness, and enforcement activities. Riparian Protection Services include the environmental restoration, water resources and riparian habitat management programs. ROW Acquisitions & Improvements .................... 29.9% Construction . ........................ 38.8% Planning................................. 16.0% Design..................................... 11.2% Other........................................ 4.1% Total Expenses......................... 100% Flood Control Support Services ................................. 49.1% Flood Prevention Services . ..... 38.5% Riparian Protection................. 12.4% Total Expenses......................... 100% 20 RFCD ANNUAL REPORT 2004/2005 COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES PIMA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The District contracts with Pima County for services from divisions within the Department of Transportation: • Field Engineering Division • Maintenance Operations Division • Real Property Division • Technical Services Division • Administrative Services Division OTHER PIMA COUNTY DEPARTMENTS The District cooperates with other Pima County Departments on various projects and exchanges information as needed: • County Attorney’s Office • Development Services Department • Department of Environmental Quality 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 agen-cies, including the District, on environmental matters affecting the community. STATE AGENCIES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Several federal agencies par-ticipate in local flood control projects, as listed below: • U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) • 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) NONGOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS Other nongovernmental agencies that the District works with include: • The Nature Conservancy (TNC) • Health Department The District coordinates activities with the following state agencies: • Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Department • Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) • Tucson-Pima County Office of Emergency Management • Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) • Wastewater Management Department (WWM) • Arizona Game and Fish (AGFD) • Metropolitan Domestic Water Improvement District (MDWID) • Arizona State Land Department • University of Arizona (UA) • Cortaro-Marana Irrigation District (CMID) • Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) PIMA COUNTY R EGIONAL FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT 97 EAST CONGRESS STREET • 3RD FLOOR TUCSON, ARIZONA 85701-1797