The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 22 voted to endorse a jointly-funded flood control project that will protect residences north of Fountain Park.

The board members, who also act as the governing body of the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, approved the project on the recommendation of the town and the Flood Control Advisory Board.

The project entails the reconstruction and reinforcement of two culverts along Ashbrook Wash, which extends east-west across the town to the Verde River. The $1.9 million project cost will be shared equally by the district and the town, officials said.

Contractors will also clear out vegetation, including non-native palm trees that have sprouted up and blocked the channel. With the board’s adoption, the construction may now go out for bidding.

“I learned about this problem and this project very early after taking office,” Supervisor Steve Chucri said.

“The small projects program within the Flood Control District enables cities to collaborate on smaller projects that outstrip the local governments’ ability to finance. In this case, the county is big enough to get the job done, and small enough to care.”

The neighborhood surrounding the intersection of Saguaro Blvd. and Grand Avenue, including Del Cambre Avenue and Bayfield Drive, has been identified as an area of potential flooding problems.

“Flooding in the Fountain Hills area, including that of March 2013, caused significant damage to roads and property near Ashbrook Wash,” said Bill Wiley, chief engineer and general manager of the Flood Control District.

“We are pleased that the board approved this IGA so that we can partner with the Town of Fountain Hills to protect the area in the future.”

The work will be done in 2015.