TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03) announced $8,606,283.96 in federal funding for the Ephraim Canyon Flood Project which will construct and develop a detention basin in Nogales, Arizona between I-19 and the Mariposa Port of Entry (POE),  in Santa Cruz County.

The Ephraim Canyon Flood Project’s goal is to protect vital infrastructure including the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI) Sewer Line, state and railroad lines, a major local natural gas and water line, a considerable section of the produce sector in Nogales, as well as several critical infrastructure locations such as gas stations, fire stations, the Arizona Department of Public Safety buildings, public and private schools. The project will help decrease the flow of water and reduce scour and erosion in the Nogales Wash and Potrero Creek, which are compromising the IOI’s structural integrity.

“I’m proud FEMA allocated more than $8.6 million in federal funding to support the Ephraim Canyon Flood Project,” said Rep. Grijalva. “This project is one of many that will protect and reduce the impact of flooding events on the IOI sewer line and communities in Nogales and Southern Arizona. As we continue to build out critical infrastructure, we must ensure these projects are built in a resilient and sustainable way that mitigate the effects of the climate crisis.”

The proposed three phased project is intended to be the first of three basins developed inside the city of Nogales to reduce flooding and potential damage to property and infrastructure. It would resolve recurring and historic flood damage to more than 250 individual structures including residential, businesses and a local elementary downstream of the project area.

This funding comes years after advocacy by Rep. Grijalva urging Governor Ducey to use a Pre-Disaster Emergency Declaration to work with FEMA to prepare for and prevent future public health threats from flooding and the IOI.

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