Globe-Miami Resilience Fund Targets Flood Mitigation

October 29, 2026 - The Globe-Miami Resilience Fund is making its first investment, committing approximately $250,000 to support development of a regional flood mitigation plan following devastating flooding last year.

The plan is a collaborative effort involving Gila County, the Town of Miami and the City of Globe to identify ways to reduce future flood risks and strengthen the region's long-term resilience. The fund was established for the Globe-Miami community to reinvest the proceeds from a federal tax credit associated with the Miami smelter.

Established by Freeport to support Arizona’s Globe-Miami area, the fund is expected to provide nearly $2 million in community investments. No additional funding has been allocated specifically to flood mitigation at this time.

“Making communities stronger starts with understanding the people who live there,” said Robin Bradford, Social Performance Manager-Miami. “The Globe-Miami Resilience Fund was created to help turn that understanding into action, supporting projects that address local needs and continuing a legacy of responding to community priorities.”

Determining those community priorities can happen through many forms, including resident surveys, stakeholder engagement and broader planning efforts. In the case of this mitigation effort, they stem from a shared experience.

In 2025, severe flooding damaged homes, businesses and infrastructure throughout the area, prompting an extensive recovery effort. Following the event, Freeport contributed personnel and equipment to help the local community clear mud and debris from affected neighborhoods.

While those efforts focused on immediate response and recovery, the regional flood mitigation plan is intended to help address the risk of future incidents.

Funding from Freeport will support the engagement of an experienced public-sector post-wildfire flood mitigation expert, who will work alongside local public works, emergency management personnel and technical specialists to develop a comprehensive, long-term plan. The effort is expected to take at least two years.

The resulting plan will include recommended mitigation measures, cost estimates, an education and communications plan, and a funding and financing plan to support future implementation. Local governments will work collaboratively to promote adoption of the plan and pursue funding to implement its recommendations.

Bradford said this effort reflects the site’s significant and longstanding ties to the area and its commitment to helping build a better future for its residents.

“As a company deeply rooted in the Globe-Miami area, we recognize both our responsibility and our opportunity to help lead solutions for the long term,” Bradford said. “By uniting local leadership, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to recovery, we’re helping turn a significant regional challenge into an opportunity to build a safer, more resilient future for the communities we call home.”

Photo: Freeport provided volunteers, equipment and financial assistance to the Globe-Miami area following a 2025 flood.