LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION:
Flooding from Rose and Palm Garden washes causes significant flooding to the small rural-urban community of Douglas, AZ, situated on the U.S. border with Mexico. The residential areas are frequently flooded with a foot or more of water, causing damages to homes and businesses. There are non-functioning flood gates along the border wall which contribute to flood backups within Douglas. Some undersized culverts similarly contribute to flooding, one of which was the site of flood-related drownings in 1998. Swift water rescue teams have evacuated stranded people from flooded roads. A significant portion of the City of Douglas is designated as a colonias community and an opportunity zone, indicating social vulnerability and high levels of poverty, with inconsistent access to clean water. There are opportunities to mitigate alluvial fan flooding that sweeps through the study area, help prevent future floodplain development, and mitigate safety hazards associated with flooding. There are also opportunities to improve water supply and environmental quality.
AUTHORIZATION: Flood Control 1948, Section 205
ACTIVITIES FOR FY 2023: Complete Federal Interest Determination (FID). If successful FID, pursue FCSA and Project Management Plan development. Request FY24 Federal and non-Federal funds.
FY 2024 PLANNED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Initiate feasibility phase and progress to Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP) milestone.
ISSUES AND OTHER INFORMATION: Douglas, AZ is a disadvantaged community with significant life safety risk and water insecurity. Federal interest to implement would require NED waiver for comprehensive benefits to justify project. Conceptual alternatives with potential federal interest include 1) nonstructural relocation, and 2) relocation plus engineering with nature for groundwater recharge and flood retention.
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL DATA:
As of: 1 Mar 23
Feasibility
Estimated Federal Cost $1,000,000
Estimated Non-Federal Cost $900,000
Total Estimated Project Cost $1,900,000
Allocation thru FY22 100,000
President’s Budget for FY23 0
Conference Add for FY23 $0
Approved IIJA FY22 0
Workplan for FY23 0
President’s Budget for FY24 0
Approved IIJA FY24 0
Workplan for FY24 TBD
Balance to Complete After FY24 $900,000
CONGRESSIONAL INTEREST: Senators Kelly and Sinema, Representative: Grijalva (AZ-07)
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS – LOS ANGELES DISTRICT
915 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 1109, LOS ANGELES, CA 90017
http://www.spl.usace.army.mil