The images of flooding in Texas are flashing across Arizona residents’ television screens this week. The bring back memories of the storm damage to communities like Laveen and New River in 2014.
Now, communities in areas identified as being prone to flooding during a storm event will benefit from the donation of 25 pallets of sandbags by Vulcan Materials Company to the Flood Control District of Maricopa County. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, who serve as the District’s Board of Directors, voted to accept the donation of nearly 2500 sandbags by Vulcan Materials Company in preparation for future flooding.
The District intends to make the sandbags and sand donations provided by mining industry members available to the public in the event of severe storms.
“Our chief concern is to protect the public during severe weather,” Chairman of the Flood Control District and District 2 Supervisor Steve Chucri said. “We truly appreciate the Vulcan Materials Company’s donations in the likely event of future storms.” “This is one way we can give back to the community,” Vulcan Materials Company Operations Manager Eric Weech said. “If even one residence or business can benefit, then we are fulfilling our mission of being responsible environmental stewards while helping to keep our neighbors safe.”
“Our industry is excited to participate in a meaningful way to benefit the public,” Arizona Rock Products Association Executive Director Steve Trussell said. “ARPA members like Vulcan Materials care about the communities in which we live and work, and we are pleased to help reduce future storm impacts on our neighbors.”
The pallets will be stored in the District’s warehouse until needed. The District will coordinate with the Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management for distribution.
“With early deployment of the sandbags, we hope to prevent some of the storm damage like we saw in Laveen and New River during the summer storms of 2014,” Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Flood Control District Bill Wiley said. “We are grateful to Vulcan Materials Company for their generous donation. Providing these sandbags to residents prior to storms will help mitigate the potential impact caused by flooding.”