County approves $20 million bond for flood control plan

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2000 | 10:37 a.m.

More than a year after raging flood waters swept five mobile homes into Flamingo Wash, Clark County commissioners approved a $20 million bond to expedite improvements on such problem areas.

Most of the money from the general obligation bonds -- which will be paid back within three years -- will be invested in the Duck Creek drainage. Improvements will be made near Stephanie Street and Emerald Avenue, Topaz Street and Tomiyasu Lane and Robindale Bridge.

Commissioner Dario Herrera acknowledged that it is unusual for the county to begin major flood control projects without first having the money, but said last summer's storms raised county officials' concerns.

County staff members were directed to find methods to hasten improvements to deteriorating flood channels.

"Looking to front the money is a drastic departure from how we've done business in the past to serve our constituents," Herrera said.

The bond, and the added annual interest rate expected to be 4.5 percent, will be paid back with revenues from the Regional Flood Control District.

Commissioner Myrna Williams, who spent days after last summer's storms sloshing around the 520-unit Miracle Mile Mobile Home Park, congratulated the county for making Miracle Mile a priority. Nearly $5 million will be dedicated to the Flamingo Wash section near the neighborhood.

"I hope this is the beginning of the recognition there are still significant projects downstream that need to be addressed as soon as possible," Williams said. "People are living in precarious positions."