OV receives federal grant for Stormwater Utility infrastructure
Published on May 20, 2024
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (May 20, 2024) – The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to announce that its Stormwater Utility has been awarded $210,990.75 in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2024/2025, through the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (AZDEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program 5385. This grant will support essential construction improvements to the box culvert outlet structure on Sierra Wash at Via Mandarina.
The funds will facilitate critical upgrades aimed at mitigating risk and ensuring the safety and resilience of Oro Valley's infrastructure, safeguarding the community against future challenges.
“The Town securing this outside funding allows our Stormwater Utility Fee dollars to stretch further. As we work to finalize the fiscal year budget, this could not come at a better time,” said Jeff Wilkins, Town Manager of Oro Valley. "This grant underscores the Town's proactive stance toward addressing critical infrastructure needs and finding alternative funding sources.”
Pending approvals, Stormwater Utility staff will proceed with the necessary agreements for Town Council endorsement, formalizing Oro Valley's acceptance of the grant and commitment to fulfilling AZDEMA’s project delivery requirements. The project is anticipated to be completed within FY 2024/2025.
“The condition of the box culvert outlet structure at Sierra Wash has raised concerns about localized erosion. This grant affords the critical improvements that will address the concern,” said John Spiker, Stormwater Utility Division Manager. “We would also like to thank AZDEMA and FEMA for their continued partnership and support toward this effort.”
The federal grant award will be supplemented by local matches sourced from the Stormwater Utility Fee, with an estimated contribution of $70,330.25. This allocation has been incorporated into Oro Valley's Five-Year Forecast, reflecting the Town's commitment to infrastructure maintenance and improvement.
This latest grant award marks the second allocation from DEMA to Oro Valley Stormwater Utility for Sierra Wash enhancements, following previous funding for Sierra Wash at Lambert Lane in 2019.