FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – The Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD), in support of the City of Flagstaff’s Spruce Wash flood mitigation efforts, will soon begin work on Phase II of the Park Way Sediment Basins. In Phase I of the project, the furthest downstream of three sediment basins was constructed in the summer of 2023. During Phase II of the project, the remaining two basins will be constructed. The basins will be located just upstream of the Linda Vista Avenue Spruce Wash crossing and northwest of E. Park Way.
Acting as a critical flood mitigation element along the Spruce Wash, the basins will function to capture debris and sediment from post-wildfire flooding, thereby reducing the threat of clogging downstream culverts, crossings and channels. The project is funded by the FCD and will be constructed by Kinney Construction Services (KCS). Phase II of the project will begin this week with survey crews laying out construction staking. The project is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 31, 2023 (weather permitting).
Residents in the area can expect to see survey crews, trees being cleared from the site, construction traffic, earth excavation, and import of boulders and rock for the construction of the new sediment basins. Construction activities will take place between the hours of 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. The FCD and the City thank the public in advance for patience and understanding as this important mitigation project is delivered.
Due to hazardous conditions on site, including tree felling, large construction equipment and frequent heavy truck traffic, access for the public to the Coconino National Forest via the east end of Park Way will be closed during this time. Forest access via the north end of Adrianne Way will also be closed during construction. Alternate access to the forest can be made via the Appalachian Road cul-de-sac and or the north end of North Paradise Road.
The basins are the last element in a series of projects undertaken by the FCD both on- and off-forest to mitigate flooding from the Museum Fire burn scar within the County and the City of Flagstaff. The City will continue to improve stormwater infrastructure in the Spruce Wash area with funding from the passage of Prop 441. Updates on both the Park Way Basins project, as well as the implementation of Prop 441 will be provided to residents as they become available.
For related questions or comments, please contact the Coconino County Flood Control District at museumfloodinfo@coconino.az.gov.
