Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $300,000 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of S

4.K
CITY OF BUCKEYE
Regular Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
MEETING DATE: 05/05/26
AGENDA ITEM: 4.K. FIN - Fiscal Year
2027 Congressional Directed Spending:
Gila River Aquatic Restoration and
Habitat Protection Project Feasibility
Study Application
DATE PREPARED: 05/04/26
DISTRICT NO.: All
STAFF LIAISON: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager,
rroach@buckeyeaz.gov, (623) 349-6161
DEPARTMENT: Financial Services
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent Agenda
Items / New Business
ACTION/MOTION: (This language identifies the formal motion to be made by the Council) 
Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $300,000 grant application through the
Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of
Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego to conduct a feasibility study for the Continuing Authorities
Project Section 206 (CAP 206) for the Gila River Aquatic Restoration and Habitat Protection Project, with
a federal request of $300,000, with no  local match from the City of Buckeye; and authorize and direct
the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution
and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent, of said application.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS: 
Innovative and High Performing Organizations
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Between the City’s eastern boundary with the City of Avondale and west to the State Route 85 bridge,
the Gila River ecosystem is degraded, including but not limited to large-scale invasion of approximately
5,900 acres of non-native and invasive Salt Cedar or tamarisk trees. Invasive Salt Cedars are an
environmental and ecological disaster. These trees are known to consume more than 250 to 400 gallons
of water per day and out-compete native riparian species, which provide critical habitat to multiple
federally listed bird and aquatic species.  In addition, these trees cannot simply be cut down or burned.
They must be removed and completely uprooted, or they will continue to proliferate.
BENEFITS:
The City is keen to leverage federal funds in our investment to make a more significant and holistic
improvement to this critical ecosystem. The proposed and requested project will save potentially 200,000
acre-feet of water per year. This saved water could provide water for approximately 800,000 residents.
FUTURE ACTION:
If awarded, the award will be brought to Council to provide authority to approve and execute, as well as
budgetary authority.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:

If awarded, the award will be brought to Council to provide authority to approve and execute, as well as
budgetary authority. The Federal grant portion is $300,000, with no local match required from the City of
Buckeye.
CURRENT FISCAL YEAR TOTAL COST:
The total fiscal year 2027 cost is $300,000, all of which is reimbursable under the budget. 
BUDGETED:
Yes
FISCAL YEAR:
2027
FUND/DEPARTMENT:
To be Determined
Items related to a project or facility location must include an attached vicinity map for Council
Review.
ATTACHMENTS:
CAR Recap Summary Gila River App.docx