On Thursday, June 26th, LENRD Directors met for the monthly Board Meeting. The agenda included numerous items ranging from projects and programs, water resources, and administrative. This article includes a recap of topics including: a request from the Village of Nickerson to move to the Design Phase of the Maple Creek WFPO Project; the Administration Plan for the LENRD Instream Flow Appropriation; a request from Loess Hills RC&D for financial assistance for household hazardous waste collections; and an update on the opportunity for an expansion of the Logan East Rural Water System.
Nickerson Ready to Move to Design Phase of 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 focused on flood reduction in the communities 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 $543,600.00, with the Village willing to contribute 50% of the local costs of the project up to a maximum of $91,250.00. The design phase could potentially take around two years depending on the size of the project, permitting, and available funds.
Administration Plan for LENRD Instream Flow Appropriation on Elkhorn River Approved
The staff recommended administration plan for the LENRD Instream 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 gage falls below the approved instream 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 our basin remains protected. If the appropriation goes unused, it could result in the revocation of the water right.
Instream 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 instream flow appropriation has a priority date of December 22, 2017.
Directors Consider Financial Support for Household Hazardous Waste Collections at the Loess Hills RC&D
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 Expansion
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, 2025, 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.
The next board of directors meeting will be Thursday, July 24th, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.