The Flood Control District of Maricopa County (FCDMC) completed the Laveen Area Drainage Master Study/Plan Update (ADMS/P Update) in December 2017. This update identified, compared, and recommended alternative solutions to mitigate flooding hazards in the watershed for the 27th Avenue and Olney Avenue area. In 2020, the FCDMC held a public meeting to discuss the project and that the Design Bid Build process was underway.

In 2022, the contractor and construction manager for the project, Revolution Industrial, who was familiar with working with Anne Thompson on other large municipal infrastructure projects, selected YPMO for PIO services during the installation of the new storm drain pipe and catch basins along the north side of Olney Avenue between 24th Avenue and 27th Avenue, and on the east side of 27th Avenue between Olney Avenue and South Mountain Avenue.

The project included clearing and grubbing in early January 2023; sidewalk removal and replacement; curb and gutter removal and replacement; light pole removal and replacement; relocation of fire hydrants; storm drain installation; catch basin installation; and hardscape and landscape restoration.

Throughout the 19 months of construction, YPMO’s team prepared and distributed 25 notifications to the community, businesses, schools, and emergency services for the various traffic and water restrictions. The intersection of 27th Avenue and Dobbins Road was closed for several months and detours re-routed traffic for miles around the area. YPMO communicated via eblasts to update a list of area schools, businesses, and emergency services.

The excavations and trenching for the 60-inch storm drain along the 27th Avenue easement was executed with extreme care and coordination with the community. This stretch of 27th Avenue is home to some who still continued to horseback for recreation through the construction zone. The residents who lived in the area were hopeful that these improvements would help them with future flooding and were looking forward to the installation of a new sidewalk and landscape in this rural area of Phoenix.