Gila Bend, Arizona experienced devastating flooding in August 2021. The existing slopes and retaining wall along the drainage channel failed and caused severe flooding damage to homes and businesses and destroyed parts of the town.  

The Flood Control District of Maricopa County (FCDMC) received funding through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to repair this structure.  CDMC retained Olsson to design an emergency reconstruction of the existing drainage channel that was damaged. We provided hydraulic analysis, structural design, survey, and geotechnical engineering services on this fast-tracked project to rebuild and improve the drainage channel.  

The project site had very tight constraints, posing challenges for the design team. Local businesses are adjacent to the area, so we had to make sure the businesses were protected in our design. Additionally, because the site is a long distance for a ready-mix concrete truck to travel, precast elements were used as much as possible.  

We delivered the design on time, which was critical as the project had a tight schedule due to the funding mechanism. Design was completed in August 2022, and construction was completed in early 2023.  The previous flooding hampered Gila Bend and its residents. Citizens see this completed project as growth and a new beginning for the city.

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