FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Schultz/Pipeline Flood Mitigation System has received statewide recognition for its work to reduce post-wildfire flooding risks northeast of Flagstaff.
The project received the Project of the Year Award from the Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association during the organization’s annual conference last week in Tucson.
The project was recognized in the category of Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair over $75 million.
According to Coconino County officials, the award selection committee highlighted the extensive engineering and construction work completed in just over two years. The system was designed to reduce flood threats to residents, homes, businesses and public infrastructure in areas affected by the Schultz and Pipeline fire burn scars.
“This extraordinary team accomplished an extraordinary goal,” Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said. “This project saves lives and was done in record time and under budget.”
Organizations recognized as part of the project team included the Coconino County Flood Control District, Civiltec Engineering, Natural Channel Design Engineering, JE Fuller Hydrology, Remal Engineering, Peak Engineering and Tiffany Construction.
“I’m honored to have worked with such an incredible team,” Flood Control District Administrator Lucinda Andreani said. “The real reward is that the residents of the Schultz/Pipeline Flood Area can once again sleep at night.”
The mitigation system addresses nine watersheds that were burned or reburned during the 2022 Pipeline Fire.
County officials said the burn area contributed to 45 major flood events during the summer of 2022, creating significant risks for nearby neighborhoods and infrastructure.
Approximately $120 million has been spent on the projects to date. The completed work is intended to help protect roughly 1,500 homes, along with several businesses in the affected area.
The county has also released a video detailing the project and the work completed throughout the Schultz/Pipeline flood area.
