Flood Control Studies for Arizona Communities

Lowe, Philip O.; Arrowood, Sam; ,

Flood Control Studies for Arizona Communities

by Philip O. Lowe,
Sam Arrowood,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: North American Water and Environment Congress & Destructive Water

Abstract:

Severe flooding in the winter of 1992/1993 produced severe flooding across the State of Arizona. Damages were widespread and significant. Total public and private damages are estimated to exceed $400 million. The Corps of Engineers received direction from Congress to conduct a reconnaissance study on vulnerable areas, and to take action in appropriate areas to provide flood protection as a result of problems arising from the recent flood events. The study was to be conducted under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Continuing Authorities Program (CAP). The large number of applications for assistance, combined with limited funding, resulted in the development of a new, innovative approach for conducting an initial screening to determine whether or not there was a likelihood for federal interest at the earliest possible stage of investigation. Within the space of one year, all sites had been evaluated for Federal Interest at an average cost of only $5,000. Partially as a result of the success of this approach, portions of the CAP regulations have been re written and implemented nationally to achieve cost savings in future studies.

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