Title
Request Authorization to Accept Funding and Enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Flood Control District of Maricopa County for the Skunk Creek Channelization Design Concept Report (Ordinance S-50218)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to accept funding and enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and to execute any other instruments or documents as necessary with Flood Control District of Maricopa County (FCDMC) for the Skunk Creek Channelization Design Concept Report (DCR). Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item. The amount of financial assistance from the FCDMC is limited to $750,000. The City’s funding contribution ($75,000) for this project will be covered by the VIAONE Development Agreement (Ordinance S-49604). Further requesting an exception pursuant to Phoenix City Code section 42-20 and authorizing inclusion in the transaction documents indemnification and assumption of liability provisions that would otherwise be prohibited by Phoenix City Code section 42-18.
Report
Summary
FCDMC agreed to partner with the City to complete a DCR to assess the feasibility of channelizing Skunk Creek along Interstate 17 (I-17) corridor, north of the Central Arizona Project (CAP) Canal. The channelization of the wash is intended to reduce the floodplain footprint within the corridor, while not adversely impacting adjacent properties and the existing crossings over the CAP Canal. Successful channelization may recover developable land located within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 100-Year floodplain of Skunk Creek. The Study will analyze the potential for any upstream impacts to adjacent properties and City Council adopted plans. Additionally, it will provide design options to minimize the appearance of concrete/solid rip rap lined channels and maximize the appearance of a natural desert river corridor.
Skunk Creek is a major watercourse that flows from the northeast part of Maricopa County and parallels I-17 before crossing it in a southwest direction. The drainage area is about 50 square miles with a 100-year flow rate of 26,700 cubic feet per second north of the CAP Canal. The configuration of the channel can be broken into two segments: north from Carefree Highway to Sonoran Desert Drive and south from Sonoran Desert Drive to CAP Canal. The channel is wider and braided between Sonoran Desert Drive and the CAP Canal providing the opportunity for encroachment and narrowing of the floodplain. In comparison, the upper reach of the channel is narrow, and floodplain well contained, and channelization will not yield significant land recovery.
FCDMC has indicated they will fund a majority (90 percent) of the DCR with the matching funding (10 percent) coming from the City or other participating stakeholders. VIAONE Development is willing to providing the City’s matching share.
Financial Impact
The amount of financial assistance from the FCDMC is limited to 90 percent of the project costs or up to $750,000. The City's cost share is up to $75,000. The amount of financial assistance from VIAONE Development is limited to $75,000. Any additional City matching funds required will be funded from the Local Drainage Solutions Program from the Street Transportation Department's Capital Improvement Program.
Location
Skunk Creek along I-17 corridor, north of the CAP Canal
Council District: 2
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson, the Street Transportation Department and the City Engineer.