Spending up to $27,000 for engineering design for flood control improvements between Second West and Fourth West and north toward Snowflake High School was approved April 25 by the Snowflake Town Council.
For several years, the town has been partnering with the Snowflake Unified School District to resolve flooding issues south of SHS and around the fire station.
Town Manager Brian Richards requested approval last week to spend up to $27,000 for engineering design.
Richards said that a notice of intent must be submitted to Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs by May 1.
Because it has been a relatively light disaster year, the Governor’s Emergency Fund is anticipated to have a significant surplus of funding at the end of the state’s fiscal year, June 30, 2017, which could be used for mitigation projects.
Staff was asking to have an engineering design completed to assist in applications for construction grants through federal and state programs.
Richards said that if council approved the request, the engineering design would be completed by Oracle Engineering of Oro Valley.
Mayor Lynn Johnson said that he and Richards met with the Navajo County Flood Control engineer and the town engineer to look at possible solutions and grants. He also noted that District III County Supervisor Jason Whiting is an advocate for this.
Councilman Terrill Kay asked if this had been bid by any other company, and if it could be done locally.
Richards explained that Oracle Engineering has been the town’s engineer for other flood control projects, adding, “We’re very happy with their work.” He further noted that the firm is very reasonable and he didn’t feel it would be advantageous to go with another company because they have worked very closely with Rob Toy, CMI Engineer, who has been instrumental in getting the last four grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Southern Solution.
A motion to approve up to $27,000 for engineering design for flood control improvements between Second and Fourth West and north toward the high school passed unanimously.
