Courtesy to the Trade

Page 35 December 2012 Storm drain project will stretch well into 2013 By Michelle Milan The process of a storm drain construction project will provide fl ood control and street drainage bene fi ts for Arcadia — and it will continue through most of 2013. “The water from storms has nowhere to go. It goes down roads like channels, entering yards and causing havoc,” said Bobbie Ohler, project manager of the Flood Control District of Maricopa County. Residents have been affected by traf fi c delays caused by the construction which restricts lanes and closes roads. The project is scheduled to be completed by August or September. The Lafayette Interceptor Drain and Outlet Project became a high-priority project partnership between the Flood Control District of Maricopa County and the City of Phoenix, because of numerous fl ooding complaints. The project costs $7.5 million. The Flood Control District of Maricopa County is paying for 80 percent and the City of Phoenix is paying for 20 percent. “We’re looking at it from a neighborhood regional view,” said Gant Wegner, spokesman for the Flood Control District of Maricopa County. “Not everyone has a fl ooding problem.” Wegner said construction-related activity began in July 2012. A completed portion is a storm-drain pipe installation on Arcadia Drive between the Arizona Canal and Lafayette Boulevard. Repaving that portion of the street will occur in December or January, he said. The installation of a storm-drain pipe along Lafayette Boulevard, across Camelback Road, and along North Village Drive is ongoing. The construction of a basin outlet structure is ongoing north of the Arizona Canal adjacent to Arcadia, he said. Richard Rea, president of Arcadia Camelback Mountain Neighborhood Association, said the storm water will drain into the Salt River. “(The project) is not going to eliminate fl ooding, but it will reduce the frequency,” Ohler said. Wegner said there have been several setbacks, which slows down the process causing more inconveniences for residents. A major issue is running into unknown water lines. Often, the maps that show Continued on page 52 Happy holidays! from your friends at Sportsman’s SE Corner of 32nd St. & Camelback | (602) 955-7730 | www.sportsmanswine.com This holiday season we have the right bottle of wine, spirits or custom made gourmet baskets. We can help you to plan your parties or select the perfect gift for your business colleagues, family & friends.  For the love of food and wine.