Sinema-backed Water Resources Development Act passed Congress with bipartisan support
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a provision in the Congressionally passed Water Resources Development Act that directs the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite completion of the Rio de Flag flood control project.
“Completion of the Rio de Flag flood control project will protect the Flagstaff community from catastrophic floods, spur job growth, and encourage infrastructure development. I’ll continue working with local leaders in Flagstaff and with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure the project’s completion,” said Sinema.
“Because of Senator Sinema’s steadfast and consistent support for expediting completion of the Rio de Flag flood control project, it will protect over half of the City’s residents from a catastrophic flood when it is completed in the next several years. We can’t thank Senator Sinema enough for her efforts to secure these needed funds,” said Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans.
“Senator Sinema has long been a friend of Coconino County and northern Arizona. As such, she knows that catastrophic flood is the number one public safety risk in the County. Expedited completion of the Rio de Flag project will help protect a majority of residents in the Flagstaff area while protecting the Southside neighborhood from historic annual flooding and economic disadvantage,” said Coconino County Board Chair Liz Archuleta.
The Rio de Flag flood control project will mitigate potential flood damage caused by heavy rain or snowmelt that flows into the Rio de Flag. Following a request from Sinema, the Army Corps of Engineers announced it would provide $52 million for the project’s completion. The Sinema-backed Water Resources Development Act further supports the project by directing Army Corps to expedite the completion of the project.