In response to the flash floods residents in parts of Coconino County face, the Kari Lake campaign shared a statement of support and plans to handle future natural disasters with The Arizona Sun Times via email.
“Flooding in rural areas represents a huge and unnecessary risk for residents. Kari Lake has already committed to providing increased funding for infrastructure improvements – including flood control measures – in rural areas to reduce the risks as much as possible, and will take an active role whenever disaster does strike,” shared Kari Lake Campaign Communications Director Ross Trumble.
The Pipeline Fire and other wildfires from this year have left burn scars in Coconino County. Heavy monsoon rains falling on the slick, burnt areas have caused flash floods and flowing debris that can damage private property and roadways.
Moreover, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) recently reported that he is working with state, county, and local officials in response to monsoon floods in Coconino County.
“When Arizona communities are in need, we come together,” Ducey said. “In a community already impacted by wildfires, the monsoon season presents dangerous challenges. This fire season has already been extremely active and it’s crucial that our local officials and leaders continue to have the resources they need to respond to the aftermath of heavy rains. We’re grateful for the National Guard members, local officials, first responders, agency partners, safety personnel and community members who have been working tirelessly to protect people, pets, and property.”
In response to the dangers Coconino County faces, Ducey, signed a declaration of emergency Wednesday to provide extra state funds for recovery efforts. The declaration outlined giving $200,000 to the Arizona Division of Emergency Management (DEM) director. It further stated that the State of Arizona Emergency Response and Recovery Plan direct how the DEM coordinates the funds.
Moreover, Ducey also deployed the Arizona National Guard (AZNG) to assist with flood management measures, such as filling sandbags. According to Ducey, since deployment on July 16th, 60 volunteer service members have filled 800 pallets or roughly 56,000 sandbags.
Help is on the way to Coconino County. Our number one priority is to ensure our communities are safe and getting the help they need. @CoconinoCounty 1/ https://t.co/wOLnaCwahL
— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) July 16, 2022
Aside from the AZNG, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry inmates have also assisted in filling sandbags, providing roughly 93,660 bags, with more on the way, according to Ducey.
ICYMI: @AZCorrections Wildland and Healthy Forest crews have been hard at work this week filling sandbags to protect communities in Coconino County. So far, they’ve filled 52,000 bags — more on the way! pic.twitter.com/alaM0QUT1A
— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) July 16, 2022
Furthermore, the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) coordinates state resource requests from counties and it has been working with nonprofits to provide water and food for sandbagging crews.
“When called upon, we volunteered beside our emergency responders and community members,” said DEMA Director Maj. Gen. Kerry Muehlenbeck. “I couldn’t be more proud of DEMA’s more than 8,300 citizen soldiers, airmen, and civilian staff who are always ready, and always there to support the communities we serve.”
The National Weather Service (NWS) announced that flash flood warnings were in effect until 5 a.m. MST Monday. The NWS provides a daily flood risk for the Flagstaff area.
⚠️ Flash Flood Warning ⚠️ extended until 5:15 AM MST for portions of Coconino County.
This includes Doney Park, Timberline, Wupatki Trails, Fernwood, Pine Mountain Estates, and Hutchinson Acres. More info: https://t.co/AyPdMEcGwY. #azwx pic.twitter.com/pPIbS8lSx7
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) July 25, 2022
According to Coconino County, areas in the most danger of floods include Timberline, Wupatki Trails, Fernwood, Doney Park, and the west side of Flagstaff. The Coconino County Arizona Flood Control District advised that while sandbag walls only mitigate the impact of flooding, residents should set up sandbags near their homes and around doors and windows for the best results. Placing sandbags away from homes around property lines may leave the house vulnerable and could divert more floodwaters to neighboring property. Property owners may be held liable if their improper flood management system causes harm to a neighbor’s property. The county also advises impacted residents to purchase flood insurance.
The district’s engineering consultants have created Recommended Flood Management Exhibits for impacted areas, which can be found here.
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Neil Jones is a reporter for The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Neil on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Kari Lake” by The Kari Lake.
