In 2004, and with 71% voter approval, Flagstaff voters approved a $15 million bond for to purchase Red Gap Ranch for Water Rights Acquisition and/or Water Development to provide for anticipated and demonstrated future water needs of the city in response to years of declining surface water supplies from drought. Subsequently, in 2005, the City Council approved the purchase of Red Gap Ranch 40 miles east of Flagstaff for the purpose of developing a well field, pipeline, and booster stations to provide for a long-term water supply to residences and businesses.  
 

In 2008, the City contracted with JACOBS Engineering to conduct a 3-phase pipeline feasibility study to select the most feasible alignment for a pipeline and define a conceptual design and facility location. The first phase of that analysis was completed in 2009. After evaluating multiple alternative alignments, the frontage along Interstate 40 was selected as the preferred alignment. City staff subsequently started discussions with Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and Federal Highway Administration in early 2010 about the use of the right-of-way along Interstate 40 as a proposed location for a pipeline. In 2016, the City signed an Intergovernmental Agreement with ADOT to establish the process and requirements necessary to obtain permits from ADOT to allow the City to place a waterline in the right-of-way of Interstate 40.  
 

With an IGA in place, JACOBS Engineering started Phase 2 of the engineering analysis. Phase 2 made adjustments to the alignment in two locations, provided a conceptual design of a water treatment plant, pumping stations with 40 miles of 30-inch diameter steel pipeline, made recommendations for environmental and archaeological avoidance and mitigation, quantified the power needs for the proposed project, and identified lands that need to be acquired for right-of-way. The Phase 2 report also provided an opinion of probable construction costs based upon a 10% level design, in order to inform the public and stakeholders of project details and anticipated costs.  
 

Phase 3 will comprise the final feasibility and design report that meets the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation guidelines and will be prepared in collaboration with that agency. 
 

JACOBS will present highlights of the Phase 2 feasibility study to City Council.