The arizona game and fish commission owns the black canyon DAM and chevelon canyon DAM and the arizona game and fish department is responsible for the maintenance of the dams

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 2 awarded a Formula Grant of $1.691 million to the Arizona Department of Game and Fish under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for dam assessment and rehabilitation activities. The award, obligated on September 1, 2025, with a completion date of June 30, 2028, supports Phase 2 and Phase 3 design and engineering work on the Black Canyon Dam and preliminary assessment of the Chevelon Canyon Dam, both owned and maintained by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phase 2 deliverables include development of design alternatives for dam rehabilitation with 30% design completion, removal and repair of the Black Canyon Dam valve actuator, replacement of the existing hydraulic operator with remote operation capabilities, and initial spillway failure review of the Chevelon Canyon Dam.

Concurrent with the design work, the project will complete a hazard classification review of the Chevelon Canyon Dam and develop an emergency action plan if the hazard classification determination warrants such preparation. Phase 3 will finalize the design process for implementation. These services support the Sport Fish Restoration program's objectives to maintain and enhance sport fish populations and provide public access to aquatic recreational resources by ensuring proper functionality and safety of critical dam infrastructure across Arizona.

This project will assess the current status of the black canyon DAM. The first phase of this project has already been completed. In phase 2 design alternatives will be developed and one chosen to rehab the DAM. Design will be completed to 30% in this phase. Phase 3 will complete the final design. Black canyon DAM valve actuator will be removed and repaired. The existing valve hydraulic operator will be replaced to include remote operation capabilities. Initial review of chevelon canyon DAM spillway failure will be completed. A hazard classification review will be completed on chevelon canyon DAM. An emergency action plan will be developed if the hazard classification of the DAM is found to have changed.