LINCOLN, Nebraska – The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (LPSNRD) board of directors has approved a $37.8 million Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. The budget’s property tax request was raised for the first time in four years to $10,514,822, a 3.5% increase from the previous year. The final tax levy will depend on property valuations across the district’s six-county area.

Wednesday’s budget approval followed public hearings and other opportunities for public input since June.

The approval of the budget reflects the LPSNRD’s continued commitment to flood protection for the district. The budget allocates $5.9 million for the Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project. The multi-year project is a partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Lincoln. The project will reduce the 100-year floodplain benefiting 500 homes and businesses in north central Lincoln. Also included is $2.5 million in repair funds for the Salt Creek Levee and $800,000 for repair and construction costs of flood control dams.

The budget also continues the LPSNRD’s efforts to improve water quality and soil health across the district. Cost-share assistance support for Surface Water Quality Practices was allocated $1.6 million. These funds will assist landowners installing terrace systems, buffer strips, cover crops and other conservation practices. Approximately $1 million is allocated for groundwater protection, studies, monitoring, testing, mapping & best management practices.

The budget supports a substantial number of programs and projects across the district. Funding for stream stability projects, wildlife habitat, local recreation, environmental education, and more, continuing the district’s vital impact for the public. The complete budget is available online at LPSNRD.org/budget.

In other business the board:

• Approved an interlocal agreement with Cass County, defining the roles for development of a connector trail between the MoPac East Trail near Elmwood to the Lied Platte River Bridge Trailhead near South Bend. No trail route has been determined. 
• Accepted the 2022 Integrated Management Plan Annual Report, joint report from the LPSNRD and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources reporting on surface and ground water supplies and use.
• Approved a Community Forestry Program application for Lone Tree HOA, in south Lincoln. ($6,378)
• Approved 41 fall surface water best management practices cost-share applications. These included terrace and grassed waterway projects across the district. ($686,900)
• Approved a 30-year interlocal agreement with the City of Lincoln for the operation and maintenance of the Salt Creek Levee Trail.
• Approved agreements with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commisssion (NGPC) to conduct grassland and oak woodland restoration projects on Wild Plum WMA and Red Cedar WMA. NGPC will provide 75% cost-share of total project costs.
• Approved a temporary easement for a private crossing of the Oak Creek Trail near County Road 31 and County Road C in Saunders County.
• Approved a bid to complete the Antelope Park Well Piping project. ($39,800)