At their weekly Formal Meeting, the Maricopa County Supervisors approved two construction contracts to rehabilitate a dam which protects I-10 in Buckeye. The improvements to Buckeye FRS #1, located 7.1 miles from SR 85 west to the Hassayampa River, correct several non-emergency dam deficiencies.
The structure protects seven miles of I-10, a link for residents to California. The upgrade allows FCD to contract with Coffman Specialties, Inc. to improve the central core of the dam in the amount of $24,750,000. The approved contracts will also improve an emergency spillway and principal outlet of the dam, for a total of $11,000,000. The total cost of the improvements is not intended to exceed $35,750,000, which is less than the approved budget for the upgrades.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is funding 65 percent of the upgrades, with 35 percent coming from County funds.
Maricopa County Vice Chairman, District 4, Clint Hickman stated, “This structure protects I-10 for seven miles and we know how important that is. One of my goals has been to help bring infrastructure to the West Valley, which then spurs jobs, growth and development. I look forward to the day we take similar action on McMicken Dam which protects Luke Air Force Base.”
For more information about this flood control sproject, visit http://fcd.maricopa.gov/buckeye-frs1.pdf.