County considers Cave Creek flood control options
by Barry Cohen

CAVE CREEK – Residents are slated in February to review at least four flood control options for each flood plain in the area.

The alternatives are being compiled by the Flood Control District of Maricopa County.

“Cave Creek residents made it clear at our Oct. 12 meeting that any of the alternatives must be environmentally sensitive and keep the wildlife corridors open,” said Felicia Terry, regional area planning manager for the district.

The Drainage Master Plan for Cave Creek is designed to protect residents and property from erosion and flood hazards.

About 25 residents attended the meeting held at Christ Anglican Church to discuss the plan, Terry said.

Residents present at a workshop in July helped identify problem areas within the town. At the Oct. 12 meeting, attendees broke up into small groups and were asked how those problems might be addressed.

The county will now take all the suggestions and narrow them down to a maximum of four for each of the identified flood plains.

Terry said it will take anywhere between nine months to one year after the February meeting to adopt just one alternative for each problem area. A date in February has not been set.

Funding for implementation of the flood abatement plan also has to be determined, she went on to say, adding that the money could come from the local or federal government.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.