APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — Apache Junction, a city that often sustains flood damage when monsoon storms hit the Valley, has been awarded funding to construct a facility designed to better protect its streets from floodwaters.
Last summer, a series of flash floods shut down several roads around Apache Junction and multiple people had to be rescued from their cars.
Now the city hopes to avoid similar predicaments after it was given $44 million to construct a flood control facility on Weekes Wash. The facility is expected to collect floodwater and storm debris during a 100-year storm event, an extreme rainfall event that has about a 1% probability of occurring.
“This is a legacy project that will help generations to come in Apache Junction,” Apache Junction Mayor Chip Wilson said in a statement. “This could save lives and millions in damage by holding back catastrophic floodwaters from monsoon storms."
The facility will also be designed to use the collected floodwater to recharge groundwater aquifers.
Funding for the project was allocated through the infrastructure law supported by U.S. Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly, which was signed by President Joe Biden in 2021.
The infrastructure law is also providing $4.5 million for the City of Buckeye to build a floodwater retention basin on a vacant lot, according to Sinema's office.
*Editor's Note: The above video is from an earlier broadcast.*
UP TO SPEED
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.