WINSLOW, Arizona – US Congressman Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01) announced Jan. 20 that $65.75 million in federal funding has been allocated to complete the Little Colorado River Winslow levee project.
“We are extremely grateful for Congressman O’Halleran’s leadership in securing the final $65.75 million for the design and construction of the Winslow levee project,” said Winslow Mayor Roberta Cano.
According to Navajo County, the existing levee system along the Little Colorado River is at risk of failure, posing a serious threat to the city of Winslow and surrounding areas that lie in the floodplain.
In 2008, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) demolished Winslow’s levee, requiring nearly two-thirds of Winslow residents, many of whom have limited incomes, to purchase flood insurance.
This decertification added 2,700 parcels, including 1,500 buildings, to the floodplain, stifling property values due to FEMA restrictions on improvements and renovations to properties and structures in the floodplain.
“Without this funding, the Winslow Dam was in danger of failing, putting a very large portion of the town of Winslow, which lies on the floodplain, and the hard-working Arizonans who live in the area at risk,” O’Halleran said. “I was proud to play a leading role in the development and support of the bipartisan Infrastructure Act, and I am delighted that these funds have been awarded to complete this much-needed project, protecting Arizona families, supporting Winslow’s economic growth and will create new jobs in the process.”
According to O’Halleran, almost every home, business, school, hospital and emergency service provider in Winslow is in a 100-year flood zone.
In addition, flooding also poses a threat to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad Bridge over the Little Colorado River, which carries $35 billion worth of freight annually and provides a direct connection between Chicago and Los Angeles.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the City of Winslow and Navajo County,” said Whitesinger, Chairwoman of Navajo County. “I am grateful to our federal delegation who worked hard to pass the bipartisan infrastructure investment and employment bill that provided much-needed funding for this project. Thank you to the many people who worked to make this critical infrastructure a reality, including President Nez, Navajo County Vice Chairman Peshlakai, and Mayor Roberta Cano. Your cooperation and commitment to the Winslow community is to be commended.”
In November, O’Halleran voted to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, an act now signed into law by President Joe Biden.
In 2018, O’Halleran visited Winslow Dike with the Army Corps of Engineers to lobby for funding for the project.
Funding for the Winslow Levee project was secured under the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
In total, Arizona will receive more than $84.5 million, with more than $73.7 million earmarked for projects in Arizona’s first congressional district.
Additional information about the project is available from Navajo County at www.navajocountyaz.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Flood-Control/Winslow-Levee.
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