Coconino County flood control district seeks long-term flood planning, discusses repaying $15.5 million general‑fund loan

The Coconino County Flood Control District on Monday presented a transition plan from post‑wildfire emergency work to long‑term flood mitigation and forest restoration, and discussed options to repay a $15.5 million loan advanced from the county general fund after the 2022 wildfires.

Flood control administrator Lucinda Andreani told the Board of Supervisors — sitting as the district board — that the district is recommending a multi‑year countywide planning effort to prioritize projects in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas such as Sedona, Munns Park, Mountain Del and Fort Valley. Andreani said the district also plans to move from emergency pipeline‑area work into more traditional flood control capital projects and system inspection and maintenance.

The presentation emphasized public‑safety rationales for continued investment in forest restoration and watershed work. Sean Priyama, program manager for the district, gave a fiscal overview saying the beginning fund balance for fiscal 2025 was about $12.5 million and that federal and state awards administered through the district currently total in the neighborhood of $133 million in active grants and reimbursements.

Why it matters: The county used general‑fund cash to advance emergency flood mitigation after catastrophic wildfire.…