LINCOLN, Nebraska — The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD) Board of Directors approved several project-related actions during its May 20, 2026, meeting, with a focus on flood reduction, water quality improvements, and long-term infrastructure maintenance in the district.

Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project
A major portion of the meeting centered on projects recommended by the Urban Subcommittee, including continued progress on the Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project in Lincoln. The multi-phase project is a partnership between Lower Platte South NRD, the City of Lincoln and other project partners to reduce flood risk and improve stormwater management within the Deadmans Run watershed.

Pecan Creek Wetland Complex
As part of that Deadmans Run Project, the Board formally approved a Nebraska Environmental Trust grant contract for the Pecan Creek Wetland Complex on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus and ratified the General Manager’s authorization. The wetland complex will include four interconnected wetland cells designed to treat urban stormwater runoff from Pecan Creek before it enters Deadmans Run. The project is expected to reduce pollutants such as sediment, nutrients, and E. coli, while also creating opportunities for research, education, and public engagement. The total project cost is estimated at $1,145,248. Of that amount, $687,148 is expected to come from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, with $458,100 provided as local cash match shared equally by Lower Platte South NRD and the City of Lincoln.

The Board also approved Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement with Houston Engineering for the Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project, in an amount not to exceed $145,334. The amendment provides additional coordination, final design, construction documents, construction observation and permitting services needed for the Pecan Creek Wetland Complex.

Phase 1 Construction
Another major step for the Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project came with approval of a construction bid for Phase 1 of the project near 56th and Holdrege streets. The Board approved the low responsible bid from High Plains Structural Group in the amount of $1,639,945 for construction of a detention basin and diversion structure. The project is expected to begin following Board approval, with completion anticipated in September 2026, weather permitting.

Community Assistance Project
The Board also approved a Community Assistance Program request from the Copper Dollar Cove Homeowners Association in Cass County for repairs to the principal spillway pipe and riser structure at the Copper Penny Dam with a cost-share not to exceed $66,775.

P Street Drainage Pipe Repair
In another urban drainage action, the Board approved Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement with Houston Engineering for the P Street drainage pipe repair and replacement project, in an amount not to exceed $35,003. The amendment will allow the consultant to complete additional redesign and permitting work requested by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the project moves toward bidding.

Other Items Receiving Board Approval:

• The 2027 Operational Agreement with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• A cost-of-living increase based on the Consumer Price Index and adjustments and merit to be determined by the General Manager for qualified employees.
• Amendment III to the Section 319 Inter-Governmental Agreement with the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment for the Twin Lakes Watershed Target Area Implementation Project which  extends the agreement timeline and allows project completion of best management practices in the watershed.

As a reminder, board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The next regular board meeting will be June 17, 2026, at the Lower Platte South NRD office in Lincoln.