The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors took action to protect part of northwest Maricopa County from flooding. The Board unanimously approved repairs to a flood control dam in the Town of Wickenburg.
“Arizona gets some monster storms,” said District 4 Supervisor Clint Hickman. “And people need to know that when it does rain, their homes and businesses are not going to flood. That’s what today’s vote was about.”
The Sunnycove Flood Retarding Structure was built in 1976 to provide 100-year flood protection downstream. Located a mile south of US 60 via Kellis Road and managed by the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, it is one of three Flood Control District dams that protect the Town of Wickenburg.
In July of 2015, a storm in excess of the 100-year storm revealed a minor flaw. Water was seeping back toward the earthen structure instead of away from it.
“Post-storm analysis determined the seepage issue does not pose an immediate threat to the dam, but it’s still important to fix,” said Bill Wiley, chief engineer for the Flood Control District. “So we’re now in the initial stages of making permanent improvements to resolve the issue.”
With today’s vote, The District will now be able to seek a contract for engineering and construction services to extend two seepage pipes downstream into an open ditch, ensuring the water is deposited a safe distance away from the structure.
“When the work is done, the dam should be stronger and the surrounding area should have increased protection from potential flooding when it rains,” Hickman said. “This is a necessary and important investment that will ensure the safety of homes and businesses in District 4. I’m happy to support it.”
Please visit www.maricopa.gov/bos for information about each member of the Board of Supervisors