City Presented with Governor's Award for Cochran Basin Stormwater Improvement Projects

Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager, 509.625.7773

Monday, November 4, 2024 at 11:50 a.m.

Today, the Washington State Department of Commerce presented the City of Spokane with the Governor’s Award for SMART Projects for the Cochran Basin Stormwater Improvement Projects. The Cochran Basin is the largest stormwater collection area, collecting runoff from over 5,000 acres from residential, commercial, and light industrial zoned properties in north Spokane.

The Cochran Basin Stormater Improvement facilities are made up of five projects. First, a large stormwater conveyance pipe was installed right through the middle of Downriver Golf Course. The work provided an additional benefit of upgrading the irrigation system, allowing the course to conserve millions of gallons of water annually.

Next, work turned to TJ Meenach Dr. where extensive infrastructure connections were installed and a fresh new driving surface tops off the project. Moving massive amounts of stormwater requires technology, which is the Cochran Control Facility located at the southeast corner of TJ Meenach Dr. and Northwest Blvd.

Finally, Downriver Park and Whitewater Disc Golf Course are the last stop for the stormwater. While river recreation enthusiasts are excited for improved access and parking, an even bigger benefit are engineered natural facilities like the tiered swale structure with native plants, filtration ponds and a runoff overflow system fighting pollution.

“This award recognizes the innovation, engineering, and thoughtful design needed to construct facilities that not only manage stormwater, but also turn environmental challenges into community assets,” says Public Works Director Marlene Feist. “Anytime we can combine protecting the river and outdoor recreation, it’s a win-win.”

“This project is an example of government working well together, and delivering more for the community with their investments by thoughtfully planning for recreational improvements during critical infrastructure upgrades,” said Garrett Jones, Parks and Recreation Director. “We have a goal of being the best parks system in the nation, and it’s collaborative projects like this that put us well on our way.”

In addition to improving river health, the Cochran Basin Stormwater Improvement projects provide:

  • Improved outdoor recreational areas at Downriver Park, including trails, natural areas,  increased parking and river access
  • An 18-hole redesigned Whitewater Disc Golf Course
  • Upgraded irrigation system for Downriver Golf Course conserving millions of gallons of water annually
  • A resurfaced TJ Meenach Dr. and nearby residential streets

Fast Facts:

  • Projects cost a total of $25.5 million, mostly funded by Washington State Department of Ecology and supported by local utility and streets funding
  • Planning and design of the projects began in 2017, construction began in 2019, and the projects were completed in 2024
  • Cochran Basin collects stormwater runoff from over 5,000 acres reaching from as far as Market St. and Francis Ave. to the TJ Meenach Bridge
  • Stormwater runoff mostly comes from three types of land use: residential (85%), commercial (2%), light industrial (3%)
  • Thousands of people access the Spokane River every year from City of Spokane Parks locations
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