Spook Hill Neighborhood Action Assoc.

Flood Control Plan Projects to Begin Soon

Jul 06, 2006

Periodic flooding occurs in our area when unusually large rainfall occurs. Several years ago, the Maricopa County Flood Control District announced plans for extensive flood control dikes and channels to protect the Desert Uplands area. Many residents expressed concerns about that plan, so the District and the City of Mesa formed a citizens advisory committee to recommend an improved plan. Four members of our board participated on the committee. The plan has been approved and part of it is funded. Engineering is being completed now and construction will begin in 2007 or 2008 on a floodwater retention basin on the SW corner of Sossaman and McDowell Roads, and on a major underground culvert on the south side of McDowell Road from Hawes Road to Sossaman Road. Areas disturbed by the construction will be minimized as much as possible and disturbed areas will be revegetated according to the Desert Uplands Standards. The complete plan may be viewed at: http://www.fcd.maricopa.gov/projects/spookhill/main.html and a newsletter on the current project is at: http://www.fcd.maricopa.gov/Projects/McDowellRoadBasin/Spring_2006.pdf. Planning for another retention basin on the NE corner of Hawes Road and Culver Street and a related storm drain on Hawes Road will begin soon. Citizens advisory committees are formed for each phase of the project. Residents interested in participating may contact the Project Manager, Scott Vogel at 602-506-4771.