Board Provides $500-Thousand to Gila Bend to Aid Recovery

Board Provides $500-Thousand to Gila Bend to Aid Recovery

Phoenix – Maricopa County is providing half a million dollars to the Town of Gila Bend to assist with flood recovery efforts.  The Board of Supervisors approved the $500,000 in funding during its regularly scheduled board meeting Wednesday. 

The County has been deeply involved in the Gila Bend recovery effort since four inches of rain fell in a short amount of time early Saturday morning, leading to flooding that damaged dozens of homes and businesses. (Video) Teams from Maricopa County Departments of Emergency Management and Transportation, along with the Flood Control District, have all been on scene ever since, responding to the emergency situation.  They have helped coordinate resources, clear roads, and will conduct a damage assessment for potential federal funding. 

The Town of Gila Bend will hold an emergency council meeting on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 5pm. Members of the news media are invited to attend and listen to the first discussion of what occurred during the flooding event and how the town will move forward. County Supervisors Steve Gallardo and Clint Hickman plan to attend this meeting.

Residents and business owners in Gila Bend can access the County’s Individual Assistance Center (IAC) at Maricopa.gov/GilaBendRecovery to find a variety of resources.  For those in Gila Bend who may need access to computers or other assistance, help is available at the Gila Bend Library located at 777 N Logan Ave, Gila Bend, AZ 85337.  You can use a computer at the library or bring your own device and use the library’s WiFi. Staff is available to assist you with navigating the website and accessing resources, including Spanish translation.   Site navigation helpers will be at the Gila Bend Library during their regular library business hours. WiFi is available outside the library and is available afterhours.

BACKGROUND

On August 14^th, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers declared a local emergency due to the flooding in Gila Bend.  The declaration gives Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management access to emergency funds to be used to support response activities. Several other county departments are assisting with the recovery.