On Thursday, June 26, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) directors met for the monthly board meeting. The agenda included numerous items ranging from projects and programs, water resources, and administrative.
Nickerson WFPO Project The Village of Nickerson has requested to move forward to the design phase of the Maple Creek Watershed Flood Prevention & Operations Plan. The village sent a letter to the Lower Elkhorn NRD stating their interest and commitment to proceed with the proposed dike project. LENRD directors voted to allow staff to begin working with the Nebraska USDA-NRCS to request funding for the next phase of the project.
The Maple Creek WFPO Plan fo- cused on flood reduction in the com munities of Clarkson and Nickerson. The preferred alternative for Clarkson is improvements to an existing levee system while the preferred alternative for Nickerson was the construction of a dike structure.
The estimated cost of the Nickerson Dike project is approximately $543,600, with the Village willing to contribute 50% of the local costs of the project up to a maximum of $91,250. The design phase could potentially take around two years depending on the size of the project, permitting, and available funds.
In-stream Flow Appropriation The staff-recommended administration plan for the LENRD In-stream Flow Appropriation on the Elkhorn River was approved by directors. The adopted administration plan will allow the Lower Elkhorn NRD to call for water when the measured flow at the Waterloo gauge falls below the approved in-stream flow amounts under the application, and there are no other calls from senior appropriators.
Having an adopted plan for how to utilize the appropriation is important to ensure the water in the basin remains protected. If the appropriation goes unused, it could result in the revocation of the water right.
In-stream flows can be held by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPS) and Natural Resources Districts (NRD). Having the appropriation allows the governing body, either NRD or NGPC, to put a call on water if the level drops below what is necessary to maintain recreation and fish and wildlife needs. The LENRD's in-stream flow appropriation has a priority date of Dec. 22, 2017.
Household Hazardous Waste Collections at Loess Hills The Nebraska Loess Hills Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council received grant funds from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy to hold three household hazardous waste collections in the RC&D service area. The service area covers communities in both the Lower Elkhorn and Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources Districts.
The collections are being planned for Dakota City, Tekamah, and Bancroft in October this year. The RC&D Council also received a grant for e-waste collection which is being planned in Scribner.
The RC&D is seeking additional financial assistance to help with the two collections. The Papio-Missouri River NRD has committed to provide $10,000 in funding for the events, two of which will be held in the Papio-Missouri District. LENRD Director Gary Loftis, Subdistrict #7, serves on the Loess Hills RC&D Board.
Logan East Rural Water System Directors received a status update from General Manager Brian Bruckner regarding an opportunity for expansion of the Logan East Rural Water System (LERWS). LERWS is considering a proposal from the City of Oakland to purchase 1/3 capacity of the City’s new water project for a capacity fee of approximately $3 million.
Having the additional capacity from the City of Oakland would allow LERWS to purchase and use up to 200,000 gallons of water per day. This could also help the Village of Craig resolve their need for a new water source.
There would be other costs involved as well, such as a fee per 1,000 gallons of water used, but LERWS would not have to bear the costs of maintenance on the system. A special meeting was conducted on May 25 to review the estimated costs to hook up to the system.
Additionally, directors received reports from the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, Natural Resources Conservation Services, RC&D, Bazile Groundwater Management Area Project, and administrative. Directors also approved staff’s recommendation for a 3.5% cost of living increase and performance driven step-in-grade changes for LENRD employees.
To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local district can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www. lenrd.org and sign up for the digital newsletter. The next board of directors meeting will be Thursday, July 24, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.
