CAR Recap Summary Gila River App.docx

CITY OF BUCKEYE 
                                                           Finance Department                   
 
530 E Monroe Ave. • Buckeye, Arizona 85326 
Phone 623-349-6165 • www.buckeyeaz.gov 
 
FY 2027 Congressional Directed Spending: Gila River Aquatic Restoration and Habitat Protection 
Project Feasibility Study Application– Summary Recap 
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, which 
makes their removal timely and cost-prohibitive.  
 
Project Cost 
 $ 300,000 
 
Required Match  
 $ 0 
 
Grant Amount  
 $ 300,000 
 
Plans Once Grant Expires:  
 After all grant funds have been expended, any future maintenance for the Gila River will become a 
part of the Community Services Department’s budget. 
 
Objectives and Expected Outcomes  
 
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, which is critical in this time of drought. 
Time Period for the Grant 
 FY 2027