Flood-control board authorizes $68 million Paradise Ridge drainage project and seeks Army Corps help on McMicken Dam feasibility

The Flood Control District board, meeting June 10 as the district's directors, approved several project authorizations, including a $68 million construction authorization for Paradise Ridge drainage improvements and a feasibility study partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for McMicken Dam.

Paul Boffman, the district's chief engineer and general manager, said the $68 million figure anticipates the total project cost across three phases: channel excavation, soil-cement armoring to prevent erosion, and a separated crossing on Scottsdale Road to route offsite flows under the road. He said the project is expected to take about two years and that the City of Phoenix has committed to long-term maintenance; the crossing cost share is split among Phoenix, Scottsdale and the district.

On McMicken Dam, Boffman said the feasibility study with the Army Corps will provide Corps technical expertise and could enable federal participation in expensive rehabilitation work. The dam, which the district now operates, once protected thousands of homes and Luke Air Force Base; the district has previously built an emergency overflow spillway and anticipates additional improvements.

Board members asked about change-order processes and cost-sharing; Boffman said change orders are typically triggered by unanticipated conditions (for example, cultural resources) and described how project partners will share costs and oversight. The board approved the flood-control items unanimously.