Paradise Valley is moving closer to addressing its flooding vulnerabilities with a comprehensive stormwater infrastructure master plan. After recent storms highlighted the town’s susceptibility to flooding, officials have developed a strategic roadmap to prioritize improvements and protect properties across the community.
The Scope of the Problem
Working with the Kimley-Horn engineering firm, the town identified 19 particularly flood-prone areas, categorized by severity: three with nuisance flooding, seven with moderate risk, and nine with severe flooding potential. The issues range from structural and property flooding to the more prevalent problem of roadway flooding, which creates dangerous conditions and restricts emergency access.
Priority Projects and Investments
The plan targets six high-priority severe flood zones with specific solutions: Invergordon and Mockingbird Lane tops the list with new storm drain systems along Invergordon and Maverick Roads ($11.6 million). Mountain View Road would receive a detention basin to reduce runoff at Tatum Boulevard ($6 million), while Upstream Cherokee Wash improvements include replacing low water crossings with box culverts at Crestview, Arroyo, and Desert Jewel Drives ($6 million).
Additional projects address 40th Street and Stanford Drive with enhanced drainage infrastructure and flood control basins ($1 million), Downstream Cherokee Wash crossings ($2 million), and Lincoln Drive culvert capacity upgrades ($1.9 million).
What Happens Next
Town Manager Andrew Ching emphasized that approving the master plan doesn’t commit the council to any specific project; each will be evaluated during future budget discussions. This approach allows for flexibility as funding opportunities emerge and priorities evolve.
A Proven Prevention Strategy
Councilmember Scott Moore highlighted one success story: the town’s 2017 requirement for on-site retention in all new construction and remodels. During recent storms, the town received zero complaints about residential flooding—evidence that proactive measures work.
For Paradise Valley residents, this master plan represents a long-term commitment to infrastructure improvements that will enhance safety, protect property values, and ensure the town’s roadways remain accessible during monsoon season and winter storms.
The conclusion? Well-run cities and towns think ahead and act proactively, and while they have not been completely perfect in this regard, it’s certainly a positive that Paradise Valley is moving forward with ameliorating a significant issue in the town.