Rio Salado Update September 1999

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

Rio Salado Funded In A Big Way
Beyond the Banks of the River
Rio Salado Project Timeline

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Rio Salado Funded In A Big Way

The check is in the mail, so to speak, for the long-awaited Phoenix Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project. Congress passed, and President Clinton has signed, the federal Water Resources Development Act, authorizing $88 million for the reconstruction of riparian habitat along seven miles of the Salt River through the heart of Phoenix and Tempe.

The decades-old concept, which started as a recommendation from a group of Arizona State University students, will restore the now-dry Salt River bed to a meandering stream, complete with wetlands and stands of cottonwood, willow and mesquite trees.

While the rejuvenated river will be a haven for birds and wildlife, Phoenix residents and their recreational needs will also be a part of the project, which stretches from 19th Avenue to where Interstate 10 crosses the riverbed. Parks, trails, and green areas will be part of the project above the main channel, which will be designed to accommodate floodwaters.

"This is huge for Phoenix, huge for south Phoenix and Tempe," declared Phoenix Mayor Skip Rimsza in announcing the congressional action. "This will change the face of the Valley forever."

Under terms of the act, the federal government will pay for most of the cost, and the city will be responsible for about $22 million in project funds. The Maricopa County Flood Control District already has approved $11 million for the work. The remainder will be budgeted over the length of the project.

The Flood Control District will construct a low-flow channel at the bottom of the riverbed to minimize damage to habitat and recreational improvements during and after flood releases. Because of upstream dams on the Salt and Verde rivers, natural flooding is virtually nonexistent. Heavy flows, however, occur when the dam system has to be relieved of heavy runoff.

Working hand in hand with the city of Phoenix to secure funding for the Phoenix Rio Salado is Valley Forward, a 30-year-old public interest organization made up of 200 Valley companies, municipalities and other representatives. The group's main focus is to improve the environment and quality of life for Valley residents.

Diane Brossart, Valley Forward president, calls the congressional funding one of the most exciting things to happen in the Valley for a long time. "Valley Forward has worked tirelessly for 30 years to get to this point," said Brossart. "Passage of the WRDA bill that includes funding for the Phoenix Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project keeps the momentum going and the excitement growing."

Traditionally, Congress passes a WRDA bill every two years to fund proposed water projects all over the United States. Last year, expected approval of the bill was stymied by congressional disagreements on one California project.

The fact that funding was approved this year prevented the Rio Salado Project construction schedule from being delayed. Work will begin almost immediately, according to Karen Williams, project coordinator for the city of Phoenix.

"We begin rough grading in August at 19th Avenue while we finalize our design plans," said Williams. "Then we'll start construction on the low-flow channel itself in March."

Williams added that federally funded habitat construction, which will include nearly 76,000 plants for the 550 acres included in the project, would begin in early 2001. "We sincerely thank the community in helping with the passage of the WRDA bill. We have bulldozers in the river today because of the tremendous efforts of many residents, civic and community leaders, business leaders and elected officials."

She added, "This is BIG! As we continue to work on the Phoenix Rio Salado, we will build ways for greater numbers of residents to contribute their ideas and their enthusiasm on making the river enjoyable so people with different interests will want to go there."

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Beyond the Banks of the River

While the Phoenix Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project will turn the normally dry Salt River bed into a wetlands oasis primarily benefiting wildlife, people haven't been forgotten: The revitalization of adjacent residential and business communities is also part of the project.

In 1998, the Beyond the Banks Advisory Committee was formed to come up with a "big picture" for the project. Phoenix City Manager Frank Fairbanks said the group's goal is "to provide a vision for community revitalization that can occur as a result of the Rio Salado Project."

The citizen advisory group's draft vision statement contains 10 goals and asserts that revitalization "should encourage diverse and balanced uses; provide safe, family-friendly opportunities for recreation and relaxation; and preserve and promote neighborhoods, a sense of identity, and an appreciation for Phoenix's history."

Here is a list of the goals as identified by Beyond the Banks:

• Education - Nearby schools will be encouraged to develop science and environmental curricula that will complement displays and educational programs planned for the project's nature center.
• Housing - Since the project will attract people who want to live near the heart of the city, new housing should be a balanced mix of single and multi-family types while preserving neighborhood values and promoting a connection with the entire city.
• Employment and Ecomomic Development - The committee supports a diversity of commercial development Beyond the Banks, ranging from specialty retail shops and restaurants to offices and small manufacturing plants. Housing and jobs should be considered together.
• Transportation - Planning should encourage slower traffic next to the banks of the Rio Salado; public transportation improvements from all parts of the city should be considered.
• Recreation - Recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors should be expanded and enhanced. In addition, the committee believes the project can serve as the impetus for more family-oriented recreational and entertainment opportunities, including parks, picnic areas, fishing and places for community fairs and festivities. Shopping, dining and entertainment styles should encourage people to stay for longer periods of time.
• History - The indigenous and social history of Phoenix's growth along the Rio Salado should be taken into consideration by renovating historic sites and developing monuments and educational centers to highlight the historical development of agriculture, commerce and communities along the river.
• Ambience - In keeping with the restored natural environment being created by the project, adjacent areas should be attractive and natural areas for public enjoyment should reflect the creative usage of trees, flowers, desert grasses and other landscaping. Lighting and public art should complement the project.
• Public Participation - Throughout the decision-making process, the committee encourages the involvement of both nearby residents and communities, as well as citizens of greater Phoenix.
• Access - Work on Beyond the Banks areas should take advantage of the amenities created by the project without interfering with public access, which should be enhanced and not restricted by development along the river. Requirements of the American Disabilities Act should be heeded.
• Safety - Public health, safety and security should be a priority concern in any planning to encourage the fullest use and enjoyment of the amenities created by Beyond the Banks development.

The general public is welcome to attend the committee's final meeting on Oct. 7, scheduled from 4-6 p.m. in the Fourth Floor Music Room of Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave. Copies of the full text of the Rio Salado VISION will be available by Dec. 1. To comment on beyond-the-banks approaches, or for a calendar of community meetings to discuss visions for the Rio Salado, call Karen Williams, 602-262-4717.

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Rio Salado Project Timeline

August 1999 Congress authorizes project construction (Water Resources Development Act funding approved)

1999 through 2000 Project engineering and design

2000 Low flow channel construction begins

Beginning of 2001 19th to Seventh Avenues Habitat Construction

2002 Seventh Avenue to 16th Street Habitat Construction

2003 16th Street to I-10 Habitat Construction

2003 Rio Salado Project opens

The Rio Salado Project represents a long-held vision of many Phoenicians to turn the blighted Salt River into a community, environmental and recreational asset. A partnership between the Army Corps of Engineers and the city of Phoenix, the Rio Salado Project will bring enough water into the Salt River to support native shrubs and grasslands, trees and wildlife while preserving the river's flood capacity.

This newsletter is to keep interested persons informed of the project and to encourage public participation in the process.

This publication is available in the following alternative formats: Large print, Braille, audiotape or computer diskette by calling the ADA liaison, Neighborhood Services Department, at 602-495-5459, TDD: 602-495-0685.

If you have any questions or comments or would like to meet with our staff to discuss the project, call Karen Williams at 602-262-4717.

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