Rio Salado Update March 1999

The following also is provided in Spanish. Lo siguiente también es provisto en Español.

Flood Control District of Maricopa County Joins Rio Salado Team
WRDA Bill Update
What Does the Future Hold for the Banks of the Salt River?

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Flood Control District of Maricopa County Joins Rio Salado Team

One of the important features of the Phoenix Rio Salado design is the ability to minimize damage to habitat and recreational improvements during and after flood releases in the riverbed. To help accomplish this, a low flow channel will be constructed in the bottom of the riverbed. This past December, the Phoenix City Council and the Board of Directors of the Flood Control District of Maricopa County approved an intergovernmental agreement whereby the Flood Control District will construct the flood control features of the project.

The agreement authorizes up to $11 million of Flood Control District funds to be spent on the project. Design work is underway on the flood control features such as grade control structures, which are designed to stabilize the riverbed and slow the flow of floodwaters.

"This is an important project for the future of the entire Valley. It will restore the river to its natural state, while still providing flood protection for Valley residents", said Mike Ellegood, chief engineer and general manager of the Flood Control District.

Beyond the Banks Advisory Committee members will draft a vision for "beyond the banks" of the restoration project.

In an attempt to minimize impacts on construction from potential winter storm flows in the river, construction of the low flow channel will be completed in phases, one in Spring 2000 and one in Spring 2001.

The low flow channel will support the permanent, meandering stream and ponds, but its most important function will be to carry the smaller, more frequent storm releases so they will not disturb the balance of the habitat restoration project. The channel also will increase the river's capacity to offset the loss of storm water that will occur when the trees and other vegetation begin to grow.

Once federal funding is approved, construction can begin on the first phase of the habitat restoration project, water delivery system, trails system and public entry features, hopefully by the end of next year. This first phase will be located between 7th and 19th avenues and should be open to the public one year later.

The Beyond the Banks Advisory Committee recently toured the Salt River and surrounding area.

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WRDA Bill Update

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is legislation passed typically every other year in Congress to authorize water resources development projects around the country. In order to be included in WRDA, projects normally must be studied by the Army Corps of Engineers and recommended to Congress for authorization based on a finding that the project is economically feasible and environmentally sound.

The Phoenix Rio Salado Project planning process was concluded last summer with a recommendation in the Corps' "Chief's Report" authorizing the project for funding, which was in time for an anticipated 1998 WRDA bill. The bill was introduced in both the House and Senate. You may remember seeing the letter of support written by Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl asking that the project be included in the bill. Unfortunately, the bill never made it to the floor of the House for consideration before Congress adjourned for the session.

Since Congress has convened for the 1999 session, many of the municipalities that had projects proposed in the 1998 bill are pressing for a bill this year. Phoenix is among those taking a lead in asking our congressional delegation to continue its strong support of the Rio Salado and help to see that a bill is passed this year.

If WRDA is passed this year, our project can continue on its current schedule with construction starting at the end of this year and federally funded construction beginning in October 2000. In addition, a recent agreement with the Flood Control District of Maricopa County will allow construction of flood control elements of the project to begin at the end of this year, helping us to be prepared for the federally funded construction.

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What Does the Future Hold for the Banks of the Salt River?

The committee learns from one of many informational presentations.

Now that the Phoenix Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project design and construction is underway, the community is coming together to talk about the area beyond the banks of the river.

Lined with trees and recreation trails and teeming with wildlife, the river will create a scenic place for residents and visitors. In close proximity to the airport, downtown and expressways, the Rio Salado Project could potentially attract new jobs and housing to the area. Might the Rio Salado be the next "in" place?

Committee members discuss demographic studies and maps for "beyond the banks."

To envision what could happen beyond the banks, Phoenix City Manager Frank Fairbanks has appointed a citizens Rio Salado Beyond the Banks Advisory Committee comprised of residents representing a cross section of the community. The committee's charge is "to provide a vision for community revitalization that can occur as a result of the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project." The general public is welcome to attend the committee's monthly meetings, scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. in the fourth floor music room at the Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave. The meetings are scheduled for April 8, May 6, June 3, July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2 and Oct. 7. For information, contact Karen Williams at (602) 262-4717.

You can also visit phoenix.gov/NBHDPGMS/rioproj.html

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