[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 182 (Tuesday, December 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATING LOCAL LEADERS IN COCHISE COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARTHA McSALLY

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2015

  Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate local leaders in 
Cochise County, KE&G construction, and Cemex for their outstanding work 
on the Palominas Flood Protection and Groundwater Recharge project. 
This project is the first-ever aquifer protection and recharge effort 
of its kind implemented at a regional scale, and aims to protect flows 
of a desert river and its lush streamside habitat while also 
replenishing the water supplies of local residents. The Palominas 
project embodies the values of the residents of Cochise County who not 
only want to ensure protection of our waterways and natural resources, 
but are looking for solutions to provide more economic opportunity. 
One-size-fits-all requirements from Washington fail to take into 
account Arizona's unique landscapes, but the formation of local 
partnerships allowed the community to come together to create a 
solution to benefit all, including the citizens, businesses, and native 
plants and animals.
   This project received top state and local honors in Arizona and was 
recognized internationally for offering a long-term solution to the 
recurring problem of sheet flow flooding at a local elementary school 
and the need for aquifer recharge. The project includes a 17 million 
gallon detention basin that holds storm water runoff, as well as dry 
wells and infiltration trenches covering 290 acres. These dry wells and 
infiltration trenches provide additional storage capacity during 
storms, reduce the loss of water through evaporation, and increase the 
amount of water recharged into the nearby San Pedro River.
   Dennis Donovan, a civil engineer overseeing the project for Cochise 
County told the Arizona Republic that the project includes the large 
detention basin with berms to slowly steer the water into a wide 
channel before spilling over four foot walls that ``slow down the storm 
water to where, to the best it can, it (sinks and) recharges.'' The 
water control mechanisms in the basin keep storm water from washing 
through in a day leaving the basin dry again the next.
   The Sierra Vista Herald noted that, ``CEMEX's Sierra Vista Plant 
joined forces with KE&G Construction to complete the project within a 
three-month time frame. Working through more than two inches of 
rainfall, these dynamic teams beat the heaviest rains of the summer 
monsoon season.''
   The health of the San Pedro River is important to Fort Huachuca and 
the vitality of the surrounding community. Projects like these help to 
protect the future of the San Pedro River and demonstrate the 
commitment of the Army and the community to preserving their natural 
environment.

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