Town outlines expanded wash maintenance program, warns of safety risks and years of cleanup ahead

Fountain Hills — Town public works staff presented an update on wash maintenance across Fountain Hills and described a multi-year effort to clear flow-lines, remove illegal dumping and reduce fire hazards. The council heard before-and-after photos, discussed safety and wildlife protections and was told that several washes require substantial additional work and funding.

Public works director Justin Waldy (presenting) reminded the council that Fountain Hills contains large amounts of undeveloped desert and many drainage washes that convey stormwater from the McDowell Mountains to the Verde River. He said the town now has funding authorized by the current council to expand maintenance efforts and that crews have cleared roughly 55 acres since October 2024, with more planned for the coming fall and winter. The presentation emphasized clearing the flow line (the low point where water moves) rather…