The area around McMicken Dam has long been identified as the likely center of nature trails and wildlife conservation in Surprise, as well as a large-scale new community park.
None of this is coming soon. The Maricopa County Flood Control District is in the middle of the first phase of the McMicken Dam Rehabilitation Project, a five-phase project expected to take 15-20 years and estimated to cost $140 million “in today’s dollars.”
Dave Degerness, dam safety project manager for the flood control district, said the rehabilitation first phase should be finished by September and October. Similarly, early conversations are starting on how the city and county can team for the best plan for conservation and use the 9-mile-long earthen dam.
