The August 2023 floods (pictured below) put into focus the need to create a drainage master plan as well as updating the local floodplain.

On November 4th, the Town Council heard updates and recommendations from the County Flood Control District.

According to the District, the FEMA Floodplain map for the Tusayan area was created nearly 40 years ago and is extremely inaccurate, and the associated FEMA flood information provides no detailed information relative to flood volumes or depths.

It claims the true flood risk in Tusayan is not accurately represented, which puts lives, public infrastructure and private investments at great risk.  The presentation included a recommendation to expand the local floodplain from 21 to 54 parcels of land. The number of permanent structures would expand from 49 to 71.

During an October presentation on a drainage master plan it was revealed that a 100-year rainfall event over the Coconino Wash watershed produces upwards of 10,000 cubic feet per second flows through town. This modeling was validated both by the Flood Event on August 23, 2023, as well as by a third-party engineering review firm.

The District has sent to each property owner a packet containing a letter explaining the Local Floodplain implementation process, three maps showing the Local Floodplain, FEMA Floodplain and both floodplains and Frequently Asked Questions.

Property owners who have questions or want to discuss the proposed changes can reach out to John Carr at jcarr@coconino.az.gov  or at 928-679-8881.

The District Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on and consider approval of the Local Floodplain on December 9th.