Rio de Flag Feasibility Study Update

After looking at numerous sites, such as Cheshire Park, it became apparent that most of these sites would result in adverse environmental impacts and would increase the cost of the project significantly. We also took another look at eliminating detention at Thorpe Park and increasing the size of the channel and/or using large underground storm drains between Bonito Street and Route 66. This "no detention" alternative has turned out to be more cost effective than adding more upstream detention sites and would actually decrease the impacts at Thorpe Park. The new Recommended Alternative consists of the following major changes:

- No detention basin at Thorpe Park,
- Low (approx. 5 foot or less) berm/floodwall adjacent to Thorpe Park,
- Large underground storm drain between Sitgreaves St. and Birch Ave.,
- Larger open channel through Wheeler Park and by City Hall, and
- Larger underground storm drain for the "re-route" along the south side of the railroad.

The berm/floodwall at Thorpe Park will still extend north along the back of the Navajo Drive properties. This berm/floodwall is still necessary to keep large flows from breaking out at Thorpe Road and flooding Marshall School and the houses along Navajo Drive/Road. Open channels would either be left natural or widened/deepened. All berms, floodwalls, and open channels will receive aesthetic treatments to blend with the surroundings. The Clay Avenue Wash flood control components will remain essentially the same. There are still no alternatives being recommended for the Continental area as part of this study.

The revised Draft Report and EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) will be re-issued for a 45-day public comment period at the end of June or early July. The new draft incorporates all public comments that were received on the first draft. Copies of the new draft report and EIS will be kept at the Flagstaff Library reference Desk, NAU Cline Library reference Desk, and City Hall Community Development Department for anyone to review. A Rio de Flag display will also be set up in the lobby of City Hall throughout the month of July. Everyone is encouraged to drop by and look at the revised alternative and drawings. Summer hours at City Hall are 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This project is very important to our community and is a major step toward solving Flagstaff's flooding problems. Your continued participation, input, and support are essential to make it a success. Feel free to come by our offices at City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Avenue to review the Recommended Alternative maps and drawings or contact Kim M. Gavigan, Stormwater Manager, at 779-7650 ext. 224, for additional information.