LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION:
Va Shly-Ay Akimel (Pronounced va sha lai akimel) project area is located along approximately 14 miles of the Salt River on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community between Granite Reef Dam and SR 101 Bridge in Maricopa County, Arizona. The project includes reshaping of the river channel to provide a low-flow channel and terraces, construction of new drainage channels, irrigation diversions, and pipelines, a groundwater well to water vegetation, a grade control structure at Gilbert Rd,, a recreation plan including rails, a cost-shared monitor and adaption of a management plan. The project would restore and improve approximately 1,487 acres of habitat. In Arizona over 90 % of riparian areas have been lost. The project provides connectivity with other Corps Salt River Projects.
AUTHORIZATION: Flood Control Act 1938 (Gila River & Tributaries); House Resolution 2425, dated 17 May 1994; WRDA 07, Section 1001 (6), TPC
ACTIVITIES FOR FY 2023: Continue coordination with the Non-Federal Sponsor on conceptual planning to resume design efforts, or reinitiate a feasibility study.
IIJA ACTIVITIES: N/A
FY 2024 PLANNED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: With optimal funds, work with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and City of Mesa to resume project efforts, either by continuing design efforts, or reinitiating a feasibility study.
ISSUES AND OTHER INFORMATION: The Corps provided a completed design to SRPMIC and the City of Mesa in 2012 and 2015. The City of Mesa completed a south bank trail design and trail construction. SRPMIC Tribal Council and Community has submitted a Letter of Interest (LOI) to resume project efforts.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
As of 1 Mar 23
PED
Estimated Federal Cost $3,750,000
Estimated Non-Federal Cost $1,250,000
Total Estimated Project Cost $5,000,000
Allocation thru FY22 $3,708,000
President’s Budget for FY23 0
Conference Add for FY23 0
Workplan for FY23 0
President's Budget for FY24 0
Approved IIJA FY24 0
Workplan for FY24 TBD
Balance to Complete After FY24 $42,0001/
1/ Potential cost increase
CONGRESSIONAL INTEREST: Senators Kelly and Sinema, Representatives Stanton (AZ-04), Biggs (AZ-05), Schweikert (AZ-01), Gallego (AZ-3), Gosar (AZ-09)
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS – LOS ANGELES DISTRICT
915 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 1109, LOS ANGELES, CA 90017
http://www.spl.usace.army.mil