Council approves intergovernmental agreement with Mohave County Flood Control District; city to fund local projects and flood-alert stations

Lake Havasu City Council on June 25 adopted an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Mohave County Flood Control District to fund construction and design work on local washes and to cost-share the county’s flood-alert system.

Why it matters: The IGA provides funding to stabilize slopes and drains that threaten private property and public infrastructure, and it helps fund a countywide alert system of stream gauges and sensors that supports public safety during storm events.

Key elements City staff said the IGA funds slope stabilization and improvement work on Havasupai Wash and design for Avalon Drain No. 2, and contributes to a countywide alert-flood warning system. The county plan includes about 196 gauge/station locations in the county; Lake Havasu City’s contribution will support 17 locations elsewhere and six local stations, with the city’s share of the county alert system approximately $202,000. The IGA will provide an estimated $2,189,436 toward the city’s flood control program, per staff presentation.

Council discussion Councilmembers asked what would happen if the city did not participate; staff said without county funding the city’s program would be severely limited. The city manager noted the county’s allocation formula is based on assessed valuation and that Lake Havasu City’s assessed valuation places a higher share on the city than on other regional cities.

Council action and next steps A public hearing was held and, seeing no speakers, the council approved the resolution authorizing the IGA. Staff said the funds will be used to begin construction and design work described in staff materials and will be coordinated with county flood-control personnel. The council directed staff to continue project planning and implementation.