LINCOLN, Nebraska – The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District Board of Directors approved the District’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget during its August 26 meeting. The Board also expanded eligibility for the District’s Cover Crop Program and approved investments in conservation practices, streambank stabilization, trail infrastructure, and community forestry.

Board Approves FY2027 Budget
The Board approved a balanced FY2027 budget totaling approximately $43.5 million. The budget includes nearly $21 million for programs and projects, along with funds reserved for future facilities, flood reduction, infrastructure, trail, and Salt Creek resiliency projects.

Major planned investments include the Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project, landowner cost-share assistance, groundwater protection and monitoring, stream stabilization, the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch and improvements to the MoPac East Trail.

The budget includes a property tax requirement of approximately $14.9 million. The final property tax request will be considered during a special hearing September 8, after updated county property valuations are available. The Board will consider the final tax levy rate at its September 16 meeting.

Cover Crop Program Expands District-Wide
The Board approved an amendment making land throughout the Lower Platte South NRD eligible for its Cover Crop Program.

Eligibility was previously limited primarily to targeted watersheds, wellhead protection areas, groundwater management areas, and other designated locations. The expansion will give more producers access to cost-share assistance for cover crops, which can improve soil health, reduce erosion and help prevent nutrients from reaching surface water and groundwater.

Conservation and Infrastructure Projects Advance
The Board approved 17 fall Surface Water Quality Best Management Practice cost-share applications totaling $237,768. The projects will help reduce erosion and improve water quality on private land throughout the District.

The Board also accepted a $186,176.50 bid from Central Seeding to repair and stabilize a failing streambank along Beal Slough near 27th Street and Nebraska Parkway in Lincoln. An additional agreement with HDR, not to exceed $42,466, will provide construction administration and project closeout services.

A $172,040.50 agreement with Tim Sisco Construction, LLC, was approved to replace a MoPac East Trail bridge near 310th Street in Cass County with twin corrugated metal pipes. The Board also approved up to $48,000 for construction oversight by Midwest Engineering, Inc.

Other Items Receiving Board Approval:

Approved a $23,473 bid for site preparation at the District’s property at 2180 Arbor Road.
Endorsed two resolutions for consideration by the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts related to payroll publication requirements and bonding authority for flood control and water enhancement projects.
Approved a two-year agreement with Mueller Robak LLC for legislative and lobbying services at $26,000 per year.
Approved $5,186.25 in Community Forestry cost-share assistance for tree planting near the Raymond Central school baseball and softball fields.
Updated Conservation Forestry Program pricing to $1.20 per seedling for orders of 25 to 75 and $1.15 per seedling for orders of 100 or more.
Approved agreements for public outreach, advertising and production and distribution of the quarterly Know Your NRD newsletter.

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 Sept. 16, 2026, at the LPSNRD office in Lincoln.