News and image sources: City of Apache Junction
In a major milestone for the Weekes Wash Regional Multi-Use Detention Facility project, the City of Apache Junction has successfully acquired 76.538 acres of State Trust land from the Arizona State Land Department. The land was purchased at the minimum bid and appraised value of $4.59 million during a public auction held June 26, 2025, at the Pinal County Courthouse. Proceeds from the land sale will benefit Arizona public education through the Arizona State Land Trust’s Permanent Common School Fund.
About Weekes Wash Facility
The acquisition marks a significant step forward in the city’s long-term efforts to mitigate flooding risks and enhance public safety. The newly acquired land is located south of Highway 88 and north of East Lost Dutchman Boulevard and will serve as the site for the future detention facility.
The Weekes Wash Regional Multi-Use Detention Facility is a planned earthen flood control basin designed to reduce flood risk to more than 4,000 properties situated adjacent to Weekes Wash and its downstream distributaries.
Why It’s Important
In addition to managing and impounding floodwaters, sediment, and storm debris during major storm events, the facility is expected to improve public safety for our first responders who undertake substantial risks during search and rescue operations, protect utility infrastructure, reduce post-storm cleanup costs, and potentially remove many downstream properties from the FEMA-designated floodplain, saving residents on flood insurance premiums and improving overall quality of life.
The project’s need and urgency were reinforced by significant flash flooding during a July 2022 monsoon, when one to three inches of rain fell in less than two hours—causing dangerous conditions for our community members and first responders, as well as widespread damage to residential and commercial properties. Subsequently, the city proactively submitted grant applications to FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program.
Funding for Project
Upon receiving a $44.5 million FMA grant—the largest FEMA grant ever awarded in Arizona—the city withdrew its HMGP and BRIC applications in accordance with federal grant protocol, which prohibits duplicative funding for the same project. This approach ensured compliance with FEMA guidelines and reflected the city’s commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds.
This grant will serve as a major funding source for the multi-year project, which currently has a preliminary estimated cost between $80 million and $100 million. A more refined cost estimate is expected following completion of the project’s Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) review, which is currently underway.
To cover the remaining project costs, the city is reviewing additional funding sources, including low-interest loans through the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) and partnerships with regional stakeholders. These efforts aim to ensure the long-term success and financial sustainability of the Weekes Wash Detention Facility while maximizing public benefit.
Next Steps
FEMA initiated the EHP review in late 2023, which prohibits any site work prior to review completion. Once cleared, the city will proceed with on-site geotechnical evaluations, finalize project design, pursue additional funding opportunities, and move forward with bid solicitations for construction. The project will also undergo review and certification by the Arizona Department of Water Resources and other regulatory agencies.
The Weekes Wash Detention Facility represents a transformative investment in flood protection and long-term community resilience in Apache Junction. For more information, visit www.apachejunctionaz.gov/stormwater.
