LINCOLN, Nebraska – The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD) Board of Directors approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and took action on a wide range of conservation, recreation, and water resource projects during its Aug. 20, 2025, meeting. Decisions included funding for trail expansion, hazard mitigation, and critical infrastructure repairs designed to help communities across the District.

FY2026 Budget Adopted
The Board approved the FY2026 budget following a public hearing earlier in the month. The $40,161,029 budget supports projects such as water quality practices, levee maintenance, flood control structures, stream stabilization, and trail operations, while continuing investments in priority areas including Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project and Salt Creek resiliency projects.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Adopted
Directors adopted the 2025 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, developed with regional partners. The plan outlines strategies to reduce risks from flooding, severe storms, and other hazards, ensuring communities are still eligible for federal disaster assistance.

Legal Services Agreement Approved
The Board approved an updated Legal Services Engagement Agreement with Johnson Flodman Guenzel & Wasserburger LLP, providing continuity in legal representation for the District with updated terms.

Prairie Corridor Trail Advancement
The Board authorized an agreement with JEO Consulting Group for design and engineering of a new segment of trail in the Prairie Corridor, extending north from Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center. 

In addition, the Board approved applying for federal assistance through the Recreational Trails Program to fund construction of this 1.2-mile trail segment. If awarded, the project will connect prairie landscapes with existing trails and expand opportunities for public recreation.

Community Trail Support
Directors approved a Recreational Trails Assistance Program grant for the Weeping Water East-West Bridge Project, which will connect existing trail segments with a refurbished bridge and new trail loop through Day Memorial Park.

The Board also authorized an agreement with Theisen Construction Inc. for timber bridge repairs on the Oak Creek Trail. The company has worked with the District on similar projects over the last decade.

Water Resources Actions
The Board approved purchasing materials in advance for the Janssen Road Structure in Seward County to ensure timely rehabilitation of the failing road structure. Directors awarded the construction bid for the project to Tim Sisco Construction. The Board also accepted the 2024 Annual Integrated Management Plan Report, reviewing progress with the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment on ground water and surface water management.

Conservation Cost-Share and Land Resources
Directors approved 20 surface water quality cost-share applications. These projects will help landowners implement best management practices such as filter strips, cover crops, and other conservation efforts.

Urban Projects Move Forward
The Board approved two professional services agreement amendments:

• Salt Creek 10th to 14th Stream Stabilization Project with JEO Consulting Group to finish design, permitting, and construction services.
• Oak Creek Drainage Structure Rehabilitation with Houston Engineering for bidding and construction services.

As a reminder, board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.