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Scottsdale flood protection project earns national Project of the Year award
A major Scottsdale flood protection project that will remove hundreds of properties from the floodplain and significantly reduce flood risk has been recognized as the 2026 Public Works Project of the Year by both the Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and the national American Public Works Association, the leading professional organization for public works agencies.
The Rawhide Wash Flood Hazard Mitigation project protects neighborhoods along 1.6 miles of Rawhide Wash in northern Scottsdale through a series of new and improved levees, floodwalls and drainage improvements. The project will remove 850 properties and nearly 1,900 acres from the FEMA floodplain, including 435 acres within Scottsdale, eliminating the federal requirement for flood insurance for affected property owners.
"This award recognizes what can be achieved through strong regional partnerships and a shared commitment to protecting our community," said City Manager Greg Caton. "The Rawhide Wash Flood Hazard Mitigation project delivers lasting benefits by reducing flood risk, enhancing public safety, preserving our natural environment and providing peace of mind for hundreds of property owners. I'm proud of the dedicated city team and our project partners whose expertise and collaboration made this nationally recognized achievement possible."
The project included rehabilitation of existing levees and floodwalls, construction of new flood protection infrastructure, roadway improvements, drainage enhancements and environmental restoration. Work also included salvaging and restoring 1,350 native plants and installing the innovative FloodBreak passive automatic flood barrier system at the Los Portones Drive crossing.
Key improvements included:
- Rehabilitation of the existing embankment
- Raising existing floodwalls to improve protection during major storm events
- Installation of sloped, rock-filled gabion baskets to reduce erosion
- Construction of interior drainage systems to return local runoff to Rawhide Wash
- Roadway improvements at Happy Valley Road and Los Portones Drive that provide FEMA-certified containment or engineered spillways
- Salvage and restoration of 1,350 native plants
- Installation of the FloodBreak passive automatic flood barrier system at the Los Portones Drive crossing
Project design began in 2020, with construction starting in 2022. The $30 million project was completed on schedule in March 2025. Funding was provided through a regional partnership between the Maricopa County Flood Control District (57.5%), the city of Phoenix (34%) and the city of Scottsdale (8.5%).
Rummel Construction submitted the project for consideration in APWA's Disaster or Emergency Construction Repair category. The award nomination highlighted the team's careful phasing of construction to minimize disruptions, maintain emergency access, protect nearby properties during storm events and preserve the surrounding native habitat.
The nomination also recognized the project's sustainable construction practices, noting that installation techniques and designs minimized disturbance to the wash corridor while delivering long-term, FEMA-compliant flood protection with reduced maintenance needs.
Scottsdale's Stormwater Management team, along with the project's construction and engineering partners, will be recognized during the Arizona APWA Conference later this month. The national award will be presented during APWA's PWX Public Works Expo in Texas this August.
Stormwater and Floodplain Management | City of Scottsdale
https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/stormwater