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Good morning,
This time of year, I always like to highlight the work of our Regional Flood Control District (RFCD). The monsoon rains Pima County experienced this week make this topic especially timely. By using proactive floodplain management practices, RFCD helps minimize flood and erosion damage, and during my tenure, these forward-thinking strategies have truly paid off. Pima County has been upgraded to a Class-2 Community by FEMA, which means many property owners in unincorporated areas may now receive up to a 40% discount on their flood insurance premiums. I encourage you to take a moment to learn more about the RFCD and the vital work they do to protect you and your property during monsoon season.
Before Tuesday’s much-needed rainfall the Board of Supervisors held our bi-weekly meeting. One important topic was our contract with newly formed The Chamber of Southern Arizona, the result of a recent merger between the Tucson Chamber of Commerce and Sun Corridor, two organizations long dedicated to our region’s economic development.
Pima County’s contract has historically been earmarked specifically for attraction efforts—bringing new businesses into our region. The proposed contract, developed by our County Administrator and her staff, emphasizes regional collaboration across jurisdictions and with all other corporations, agencies and entities involved in economic development activities. Link to Memo
As a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, as well as its Economic Development and Public Policy Councils, I look forward to representing Pima County in advancing economic growth and prosperity across our region. I was proud to support this contract and even more pleased to see it pass unanimously with a 5-0 vote.
Rex
 Public Outreach and Education
We live in a desert where it's dry one minute and dangerously wet the next. Flooding will happen, but with solid science and smart planning, we can better predict where and when major rainfall events will occur and reduce the damage they cause.
In just a few weeks, many of our Pima County neighbors will receive the Annual Watershed Mailer from the Regional Flood Control District. It’s a great reminder to take a few minutes and explore the RFCD website.
When I say they have something for everyone, I mean it. From kid-friendly resources to videos featuring country music stars—and everything in between—their outreach materials make the science of floodplains and watersheds engaging and easy to understand. You won't be disappointed!
LINK: Be Flood Safe
 Water Resources and Land Stewardship
It makes perfect sense that the department managing water flow and acquiring flood-prone lands would also be the ones stewarding those lands. They’ve got the knowledge, the experience—and the passion—to do it right. It’s a natural fit.
And here’s where the science gets really fun. If you love data, really love data, you’re in the right place. You could spend days exploring watershed studies, planning documents, and interactive maps. But what’s most impressive is that Flood Control doesn’t just collect data and file it away. They’re actively using it to improve lives across Pima County.
They tackle big questions:
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How can we capture more rainwater?
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Where can we safely store it?
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Are there natural ways to recharge our aquifer?
The good news? They’re committed to finding the answers. One great example of this work is the Mapping a Sustainable Future project, just one of many ways they’re turning science into smart solutions.
Additional links:
 MyAlerts Flood Alert Messaging
The Pima County Office of Emergency Management has made it possible through a system called MyAlerts for the Regional Flood Control District to provide near-real-time flood alerts to Pima County residents within certain watersheds. The MyAlerts Flood Alert Messaging webpage provides information about MyAlerts and information specific to the covered watersheds.
Need sandbags? Sandbag Stations available in Pima County
Other Great Pima County Newsletters!
Let us know what you think!
Catch Rex talking about Pima County issues impacting you!
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