Late last year, Congress approved a $1.7 trillion omnibus bill. This provided the NRCS with the funding it needed to give Coconino County her $50 million requested for flood response projects after pipeline fires. These projects include work on his six flood corridors: Wupatki Trails, Brandis, Peaceful Way, Copeland, Campbell and Government Tank. However, NRCS grant funding must be partially matched by funding from the grantee. To accept the $50 million, the county had to provide her $12.5 million independently.

The county flood control district has funds to match the budget, but county officials said, “Staff will use another federal source of funding, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – Wyden Funds, to match. I proposed that,” he said. At the time of Tuesday’s decision, the flood control district will match and he will set aside ARPA funds as a backup should the project go over budget.

“By establishing a $12 million commitment fund, the Commission will create an assurance that the district will be able to meet the conditions necessary to continue project implementation in the Schultz/Pipeline Flood Area.” county officials said in a statement.

At the same meeting, Flood Control District Manager and Deputy County Manager of Coconino County, Lucinda Andreani, told the Board to support the district with community engagement and communication during the implementation of the project over the next three years. I requested that you consider approving the hiring of a Community Relations Manager. The district board approved additional positions, noting that engagement and communication with affected communities is critical to successful implementation.

For more information, see: www.coconino.az.gov/2926/Schultz Pipeline-Flood-Area.