Coconino County's landscape is steadily transforming in the wake of the Pipeline Fire, with monumental flood mitigation efforts underway. The local Board of Supervisors has witnessed a rapid change in the Pipeline Fire Flood Area, as confirmed by a recent report from Coconino County. Over $60 million has fueled the revitalization of eight watersheds, marking a new chapter for the region.
Since the approval of federal funding 15 months ago, the Coconino County Flood Control District has managed to directly transform 240 acres for watershed restoration and establish over 250 erosion control structures. They've also laid nearly five miles of storm drain pipe and concrete channels, aiming to greatly decrease the risk of future flood damage. "It’s monumental,” Judy Begay, District 4 Supervisor and Chair of the Board, was quoted saying in the Coconino County report. The progress, largely attributed to a seasoned team of engineers and contractors, has proceeded at what Lucinda Andreani, Flood Control District Administrator and Deputy County Manager, described as "lightning-speed."
Currently, the focus has been on the Copeland Flood Corridor, where an expansive flood mitigation system is being engineered. This includes a restored alluvial fan and sturdy storm drain pipes capable of handling a flow three times that of the Verde River. By early July, this $12 million project segment should be nearing completion, marking a significant step towards securing the area against future water-related disasters.
Two more watersheds remain in need of such systems, and plans are already laid out. According to the County's updates, funding will be sourced from a slew of federal grants, bringing the total investment to around $130 million. These grants have origins in bipartisan efforts and state support, demonstrating what Patrice Horstman, District 1 Supervisor and Vice Chair of the Board, referred to as government working "together for the benefit of our land, our people, and our collective future." The community thus looks ahead to a more resilient environment shaped by strategic partnerships and uninterrupted dedication.
