GILBERT, AZ, May 27, 2008 -- The communities of Gilbert and Queen Creek now share the benefits of a new flood control facility designed to enhance the safety and quality of life for residents living along Sonoqui Wash.
Maricopa County District 1 Supervisor Fulton Brock led a May 13 dedication ceremony where officials from the Flood Control District of Maricopa County (District) and its project partners, the Town of Gilbert and the Town of Queen Creek, unveiled the $11.4 million Sonoqui Wash Channelization flood control project. The project features a channel designed to capture and convey the floodwater of a 100-year storm along a 3.5-mile section of Sonoqui Wash in Gilbert, Queen Creek and unincorporated Maricopa County, between Queen Creek Wash (Higley Road) and Chandler Heights Road following the Ocotillo Road alignment. Multi-use recreational paths are included in the channel facility.
Supervisor Brock emphasized the project was completed three months ahead of schedule and approximately $400,000 under budget. "Taxpayers are looking for good service," he said. "This outstanding project is an example of how quality can be added to a community." Brock pledged that county agencies and municipalities will continue to work together on future projects for the benefit of East Valley residents.
Prior to the construction of the project, significant flood water ponding and water flow breakouts occurred along Sonoqui Wash during 100-year storms, creating a 100-year floodplain of up to one-half mile wide. The channelization improvements have mitigated those flood hazards by reducing the floodplain to just 200 feet wide. This flood control benefit removes 160 homes and 800 acres of vacant land from the floodplain.
Gilbert Mayor Steven Berman said the revitalized wash will help maintain his community's proud equestrian heritage. The multi-use recreational pathways along the channel will be part of Gilbert's trail system, giving residents an opportunity to ride horses, hike and bike along the wash. "We have taken the liability of flooding, removed the danger, and given a wonderful recreational amenity to our citizens," said Berman
Ultimately, the project enhances the region's rural lifestyle and protects the value of the property along the wash. Mayor Art Sanders of Queen Creek said his town's citizens moved out to the country for the quality of life and will greatly benefit from the added protection. "If there is any rationalization to the cost of having this all come together, it is sitting in the value of the property," said Sanders.
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