The city of Tempe has entered into an agreement with the Flood Control District of Maricopa County to create a new storm drain project that is estimated to cost $2.7 million.
Tempe City Council voted to approve a resolution at its Nov. 21 meeting to enter into an agreement with the FCDMC to construct the Watson Drive and Bonarden Lane Storm Drain Project.
Council approved the resolution in a 6-0 vote with Councilmember Randy Keating absent.
Totaling nearly $3 million, the FCDMC will pay for 65% of the project cost, estimated at $1.75 million; and Tempe will be responsible for the remaining costs, estimated at $945,000,according to a city staff report by city engineer Gregg Kent.
“This agreement solidifies the funding for construction of the project,” Kent stated.
This project is the recipient of large project funding from the FCDMC’s Capital Improvement Planning Prioritization program. Previously, the project received small project funding, but it was determined the storm drain exceeded the funding limit for that program.
Kent noted sufficient funds for the city’s share have been appropriated in the city’s annual budget for fiscal year 2024-25.
According to the report, the city identified the Watson Drive and Bonarden Lane Storm Drain Project in its 2019 Storm Drainage and Management Study to have recurring roadway and intersection flooding.
The project was among the top 10 locations in the study with recurring and potential for recurring roadway/intersection, structural and yard flooding. Existing conditions, hydrological analysis, past drainage issues and rainfall event records have created a need for this project, Kent explained.
“The proposed Watson Drive and Bonarden storm drain extends east to Scudder Park, Kiwanis Park Lake to the west, Mill Avenue/Cornell Drive/Southshore Drive to the north and south of Westchester Street,” he stated.
Reporter Caroline Yu can be reached at cyu@iniusa.org. To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Meet Caroline Caroline Yu joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2020 as a summer intern covering Scottsdale. As an intern, she continued her coverage of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tempe. After graduating in 2022, Caroline became a full-time reporter for Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. She is currently reporting for the Tempe market.
Community: She is a supporter of the environment and tries to get involved with related community events.
Education: Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, with a minor in French.
Random Fact: She used to be a ballet dancer for 10 years.
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