BEATRICE, Nebraska – The Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District (LBBNRD) is partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to hold a virtual public meeting regarding the Little Indian Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan – Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA). Due to social distancing requirements, the meeting will be held virtually through Zoom on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to watch the live presentation online. A registration link is available on the LBBNRD’s website at lbbnrd.net; a recording of the meeting will also be posted along with a public survey.

During the meeting, attendees will be able to learn more about the Plan-EA from project personnel, as well as ask questions and provide feedback. Written comments will be accepted for up to 30 days after the meeting.

The Little Indian Creek watershed was one of four pilot projects in Nebraska when the Watershed and Protection and Flood Prevention Act was established in 1954, resulting in 15 dams, 34 grade stabilization structures, nine combination floodwater detention and grade stabilization structures, and five drop structures upstream of Beatrice. The proposed Plan-EA project will address the now aged current structures, as well as identify projects that will reduce flood risk to agricultural property, homes, and businesses in the plan area. Once the Plan-EA is approved, the LBBNRD will work with NRCS and other funding agencies to move into the design and construction phases.

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. Part of this project includes an evaluation of environmental resources and impact considerations, and all information gathered during the public meeting will help guide the planning process.

The Plan-EA is scheduled to be finalized in summer 2022. The LBBNRD has retained JEO Consulting Group of Lincoln to assist in developing the plan.

Any written comments or requests regarding the project should be submitted to Jake Miriovsky with JEO at jmiriovsky [at] jeo.com, 402.367.2540, or mailed directly to the JEO Lincoln office at 6345 N 28th Street, Lincoln, NE 68504-9823.

For more information, please visit the LBBNRD website at www.lbbnrd.net/.