Virtual Open House held for Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan

Madison County, NE - More than 80 people attended the Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan – Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA) virtual open house on Thursday, July 9, 2020. The meeting was hosted by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and facilitated by JEO Consulting Group, the organization developing the plan.

During the meeting, attendees learned more about the Plan-EA, including background information on the Battle Creek Watershed, historical flooding issues, and the review process for possible alternatives. Those who missed the open house are encouraged to visit the LENRD’s website to view the recording.

Written comments for the Plan-EA will be accepted through Thursday, July 23, 2020 to JEO’s Adam Rupe at arupe@jeo.com or 402-435-3080. Comments can also be submitted to the JEO Lincoln office at 2700 Fletcher Avenue, Lincoln, NE, 68504.

Located in Madison County, the Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project’s purpose is to address flood prevention. The project will also look at the potential for incidental benefits if public recreation becomes a component. All proposed purposes and associated alternatives will be determined as the development of the Plan-EA progresses.

The Plan-EA is being prepared to fulfill National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) responsibilities pertaining to federal financial assistance received through the NRCS’s Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program and is scheduled to be finalized in 2021.