Work Session Item 3.A.
Regular BOS Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 12/16/2025
- Submitted For:
- Christine Smith
- Submitted By:
- Shannon Boyer, Executive Administrative Asst.
- Department:
- Public Works
Information
Request/Subject
A brief overview of the Emergency Operations Center's actions following the September and October storm events in Gila County, as well as an update on the County's Public Works mitigation plans and projects related to the damage caused by these storms.
Background Information
Between September 25, 2025, and October 10, 2025, the southern part of Gila County experienced prolonged and intense storm events that produced heavy rainfalls that exceeded a 100-year event. The storms caused widespread flooding, impacting residents, multiple drainage systems, low-water crossings, bridges, and roadway corridors. The County's Emergency Operations Center was activated and worked with multiple agencies to address immediate issues.
Evaluation
Emergency Management will provide a summary of the functions performed by the Emergency Operations Center. This information provided by Public Works will include planned projects, funding sources, project costs, timelines, and the status of the Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA)/Department of Emergency Management and Military Affairs (DEMA) Public Assistance Request and the Natural Resources and Conservation Services (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection grant submittal.
The floodwaters carried large volumes of rock, sediment, construction debris, and vegetation into County-maintained channels and roadways, resulting in severe erosion, blocked culverts, creeks and washes filled with sediment, roadway washouts, and damaged bridges. Gila County Public Works has identified priorities and is investigating project strategies, costs, scopes, and timelines for each project.
At the same time, Gila County staff is requesting disaster assistance from FEMA/DEMA through the Public Assistance program and from the NRCS through the Emergency Watershed Protection program.
The floodwaters carried large volumes of rock, sediment, construction debris, and vegetation into County-maintained channels and roadways, resulting in severe erosion, blocked culverts, creeks and washes filled with sediment, roadway washouts, and damaged bridges. Gila County Public Works has identified priorities and is investigating project strategies, costs, scopes, and timelines for each project.
At the same time, Gila County staff is requesting disaster assistance from FEMA/DEMA through the Public Assistance program and from the NRCS through the Emergency Watershed Protection program.
Conclusion
The purpose of the Work Session is to share the most recent information and gather input from the Board of Supervisors regarding the on-going initiatives to address storm damages.
Recommendation
Gila County Public Works requests input from the Board of Supervisors regarding the storm mitigation efforts.
Suggested Motion
Information/Discussion regarding all aspects of the on-going initiatives to address storm damages. (Christine Smith)