Discussion and possible direction regarding the Flood Control District update.

Jackie Watkins, Engineering and Natural Resources Director, presented this item using a PowerPoint presentation. Ms. Watkins provided an overview of the Flood Control District, including its statutory authority, responsibilities, regulations, projects, and recharge properties. She stated the district operates under ARS Title 48, Chapter 21, and was established following the devastating 1983 floods that caused significant damage and loss of life. She stated as a separate taxing district governed by the Board of Supervisors, it regulates development in flood-prone areas and collaborates with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on flood insurance matters.

Ms. Watkins introduced the Flood Control District staff, starting with herself as the Director. Joaquin Solis is the Deputy Director, Hydrologist, and Floodplain Administrator. Susan Long handles floodplain use permits and erosion hazard setbacks, while Shon Brady is the Engineering Tech who reviews flood reports and commercial developments. Mark Apel is the Environmental Projects Coordinator, managing recharge and watershed projects, and Gabe Ruiz assists with floodplain use permits and erosion hazard setbacks. The administration staff's salaries are split between Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) and Flood Control.

The Board and staff discussed prioritizing funding for recharge projects rather than focusing on diverting floodwater through infrastructure like concrete walls. While concrete and diversion efforts are not covered by flood control funds, recharge projects and watershed studies are eligible uses of the district's budget. The main function of the Flood Control District is issuing floodplain use permits, which generate revenue. However, staff noted the need to increase permit fees, especially for commercial development, as the current charges do not adequately cover the time and resources spent reviewing drainage reports.

Ms. Watkins provided an overview of several projects underway, including a high-level watershed study for Pomerene Road, funded at $250,000. She stated the district also secured a $299,000 grant for a study in the Willcox Basin, with a focus on flood control and recharge basins to reduce flooding in areas north of I-10. She stated the Corps of Engineers has been approached for additional grants to support recharge projects in Rucker Canyon and Elfrida, aiming to alleviate periodic flooding while improving water recharge.

Ms. Watkins discussed the Leslie Canyon Pond project, which involves a flood-prone area within a subdivision. She stated the pond, which overtopped and breached in 2015, is regulated by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) due to its size and the impact on the surrounding area. The county is working on a design to lower the outlet structure to remove the regulatory dam status and reduce maintenance costs for the homeowners.

Ms. Watkins discussed the Bay Acres project in the City of Douglas, which involves flooding issues in the Colonia area. She stated the plan is to construct a diversion channel and improve the existing channel to direct water towards White Water Draw. She noted the project is 60% designed and will require acquiring right-of-way and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance, with an estimated $15 million construction cost.

Ms. Watkins discussed the Coyote Wash project is nearing completion, with final design costs of $330,000 and over $2 million already spent on pre-studies.  She stated the NEPA clearance has been completed, and final designs are expected to be finished by April. She stated that once the designs are ready, the project will go out for bids, with an estimated construction cost of $6.5 million.

Ms. Watkins provided details about various district recharge projects. Bella Vista Ranch, a 2,900-acre property, was acquired by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) with Army Compatibility User Buffer funds and is used for grazing and conservation. Riverstone, another property from 2016, is located on Mosen Road and will support a recharge project utilizing treated effluent from the city. She stated the Three Canyons property, acquired from the Army, is being used to enhance soil capacity to retain water through grazing and soil treatments. Other properties discussed include the Palominas project near Palominas School, focused on flood control, and the Babacomari property along the Babacomari River, which is in a flood zone and part of conservation efforts.

Ms. Watkins presented a map showing the floodplains across the county, based on FEMA flood zone maps. She stated the map highlights areas with more detailed flood data, particularly where development exists, but some properties may still flood without being listed on the FEMA map. She stated the map illustrates how water flows towards the San Pedro River, White Water Draw, or New Mexico, with one closed basin in the county. She also mentioned flooding events in 2022, including significant road damage in areas like Elfrida and St. David, prompting a county emergency declaration and highlighting the need for further studies on the Rucker Watershed to prevent future issues.

Vice-Chairman Crosby shared concerns about the ongoing expenses related to flood control projects, drawing attention to the high costs associated with studies and engineering, which often does not directly produce water. He noted that every year he motions for a 0% tax rate for the Flood Control District, referencing a $9 million reserve. He pointed out the need for licensed engineers and emphasized that recharge efforts depend on sufficient precipitation, making the expenses justifiable only when that occurs. Crosby also mentioned that many studies and recharge initiatives are often justified by the potential to combat flooding.