Lengthy Discussion Centers Around Flood Control Projects at Latest Lower Elkhorn NRD Board Meeting

The meeting began with representatives from Houston Engineering providing an explanation of Clarkson flood control reduction plans as part of the Maple Creek Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations Plan (WFPO). They explained why the preferred alternative for Clarkson, which is levee improvements, is the most beneficial option for the community. There was lengthy discussion on whether clearing the channel would provide a better solution.

Ultimately, Bob with Houston explained that to receive federal funding, and reaccreditation from FEMA, levee improvements were the best choice. Improvements to the levee would also help the community get back to an “active” status with the Army Corps of Engineers. Having this active status is important to receive funding from the Corps in the event of a disaster that would physically damage the levee.

Improvements to the Clarkson levee would also offer the most long-term solution compared to other options. It’s important to note that the project is still in the planning phase, with the plan currently waiting for approval at the federal level.  

There was also discussion on the Battle Creek Watershed WFPO Plan project and the proposed Legislative Bill 695 (LB695). LB695, introduced by Senator Dover, would mandate the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) to construct a dam for flood protection for the community of Battle Creek.

On behalf of the LENRD and Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, General Manager, Brian Bruckner, will be providing testimony on the Bill next week. Bruckner asked the Board to determine a position to take on the matter.

Directors discussed whether they wanted to take a stance in support or opposition of the legislation. Ultimately, Directors voted to oppose the legislation with key factors being the override of local control and lack of funding commitment, which would create an unfunded mandate for the District to manage. A WFPO for Battle Creek is currently in the final stages of review at the federal level. Once the plan is finalized, Directors will then decide to implement the preferred alternative of the plan which is a reservoir dam structure with a small levee.

Revitaliztion Project planned for the Maskenthine Recreation Area Mountain Bike Trail

 In July of last year, Julie Wragge, LENRD Grants Coordinator, was joined by Rhonda Wright to ask Directors for approval of a grant resolution for the Maskenthine Mountain Bike Trail project. The Grant, Nebraska Game and Parks Recreational Trails Program, would have funded 80% of the project with 20% funded by a local match.  The Maskenthine Trail Network, a group of volunteers providing the maintenance and upkeep at the mountain bike trail, had requested the LENRD budget $16,000 for the project to cover the local 20% cost of the grant.

 At the meeting last night, Wragge and Wright shared that they had not received the grant funding. Nebraska Game and Parks selected larger projects to fund and accepted the top four applications. The Maskenthine Mountain Bike Trail project landed at number six on the list.

 Since funds had been budgeted and set aside for the project, Wright asked the Board to consider putting the money towards needed upgrades at the trail. Wright noted that the volunteer group had recently become an official non-profit organization and worked with Nucor Steel to secure a physical and monetary donation for the project. The group plans to use these funds to purchase a new lawn mower, changing area, kiosk, signage, and picnic area among other upgrades. In 2024 alone, the Maskenthine Trail Network donated 195 volunteer hours to the maintenance and upkeep of the trail.

In Other Action

 The Board approved the low bid of $20,912.50 from Cech Excavating, LLC of Clarkson, to provide riprap for the Maple Creek Recreation Area Shoreline Protection Project. This section of riprap is the last section remaining of the project to protect the streambank of Maple Creek lake.

 10 Community Forestry Program, and one Forestry Incentive for Public Facilities, applications were approved for a total LENRD cost of $35,773.38. These figures are in line with a three year average of the applications.

 Directors approved the continuation of the interlocal agreement with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, which includes budgeting $10,000 per year for the next five fiscal years, for the operation and maintenance of Willow Creek State Recreation Area. The low bid from Carhartt lumber for the purchase and installation of new cabinets and countertops for the Willow Creek Recreation Area superintendent home was also approved.

  Assistant General Manager, Curt Becker, also presented quotes from two firms to complete the Willow Creek Reservoir Floodplain Management Plan. This plan is needed as part of the grant funding received to install the artesian pressure wells at Willow Creek dam.  Houston Engineering Inc. provided the lesser quote and the Board authorized the award of the contract to the firm.

 Authorization to develop a new interlocal agreement with the City of Norfolk was also approved. Staff can now work on drafting a cooperative agreement with the City of Norfolk to provide annual financial support for the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility in Norfolk. Because the LENRD provided financial support in the beginning stages of the HHW, the City of Norfolk allows residents in the entire LENRD area to utilize the facility as well. LENRD residents make up approximately 30% - 35%of the users annually.