February 26, 2026 at 7:30 AM - Projects Committee Meeting

Rationale:  Attached is our current SWCP policy for review and approval.  Also attached is the FY27 NSWCP Practice Payment schedule from NDEE.  Historically we use NDEE's costs for our cost-share.

Rationale:  Last month staff requested input on updating our existing small dam policy.  We've received input from surrounding NRDs, and staff, to direct how we could update our policy and budget for future projects.  Attached are a FY breakdown of small dam projects from UBBNRD, and their landowner commitment form.
Items to consider:

• Costs for small dams - $70,000 - $90,000.  Cost-share percentages?  Budget considerations (1-2 structures per year)
• Rehabilitation vs new ranking?  Are landowners willing to maintain the structure's embankment (control trees, rodents, etc).
  • Location of structure within priority watersheds
• Applicant deposit - 2%-5% estimated cost?

We also have a number of private structures that are licensed/permitted through the state (map attached), similar to the Stan Keiser structure.  Bob H provided input that is relevant to developing a separate policy addressing rehabilitation/renovation work for these permitted structures:

Regulated/Permitted by the State

For request of rehabilitation of Regulated/permitted dams by DWEE - NE Dam Safety. The private landowner must obtain an engineer. The engineer will provide a scope for a plan, an estimate for design, and a design. This Scope will then be sent to NE Dam Safety for review, approval and permitting to rehabilitate. The landowner can then present it to the LPNNRD. The landowner can then pursue a contractor for construction and obtain a bid(s). The District decides on how much to cost-share.

Unregulated dams

Upon request by a private landowner, NRD staff will visit the site to be rehabilitated. NRD staff evaluate the site using a priority/criteria list to score the project. If the site is approved by NRD staff and Board the landowner would work through the NRCS for technical assistance for design and construction estimate. The landowner would obtain bids from contractors. The landowner presents construction cost to the NRD for approval of a percentage.

Rationale:  As discussed at last month's meeting; we are awaiting a formal request from Stan with an engineering plan and cost estimate.

Rationale:  JWMAB held a meeting on February 12th.  Items of note discussed include:

• City of Fremont will draft a new interlocal agreement for consideration by the boards of all members
• East Fremont - JEO will continue cataloging existing easements and develop a phased plan for cleaning drainage ditches.

Rationale:  Christ Lutheran project is awaiting Corps permit.
Our abstract submissions were accepted for the SCWS conference July 26-29th and hotel rooms have been reserved.  Staff will begin working with schools on logistics.
Next meeting TBD.

Rationale:  Our monthly construction update meeting occurred on 2/19 at Site 26B.  Items discussed below and progress pictures attached, all work completed last month at 26B:

• Shanahan completed plunge pool excavation on site 
• Majority of aggregate and type B riprap placed at plunge pool 
• TCI placed 24" principal spillway pipe supports at 
• TCI installed sand drain outlets and sheet pile headwalls for foundation drains 
• Shanahan placed fill in core trench (heading west) through existing creek channel 
• Shanahan started placement of fill in embankment footprint

Work planned for upcoming month will be focused on sand drain placement, riprap hauling, and depending on weather conditions, principal spillway installation (26B) and riser pours (26A).

During our construction update meeting we met with Scott Subbert (well/septic contractor) about the existing well and septic system impacted by 26B (Bryan Bartek property).  The well will not be impacted, but the existing septic system will need to be relocated, which was included in construction contract as part of easement acquisition.  Olsson survey crew marked out permanent pool and flood pool elevations to show Subbert where he could place new system.  Bartek was on site as well and all parties are in agreement to the plan for installation moving forward.

TCI invoice attached

Rationale:  On 2/17 we had a meeting with NE G&P, FWS, NRCS and Olsson to discuss our Biological Assessment (BA) for our 404 permit on the final six WCW sites.  There was concern about Platte river depletion negatively affecting Pallid sturgeon spawning season (4/1-7/1).  A final BA is being drafted by Olsson for review by partners outlining a plan to address filling the dams to coordinate with spawning timelines.

Site 55 is currently going through final review/approval at NDEE Dam Safety.
Site 84 will be submitted early spring to NDEE.
We expect to have site 77 back from NRCS National Watershed review within the coming weeks.

Rationale:  Updates on acquisitions meetings with sites 66 & 86.
Updates on outstanding acquisitions - Rezac & Kresl

Rationale:  Currently, in talks with multiple coops in the area, with positive feedback on adopting the herbicide substitution practices outlined in NWQI. So far, we have heard back from Frontier and Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Rationale:  As we discussed last month, the NRD is evaluating the potential of developing a flood reduction watershed plan for Skull/Bone Creek.  Representatives from NRCS state office will be present to discuss the process and current status of WFPO program.

Rationale:  The NRD received a funding agreement from DWEE on Thursday, February 19th.  An update was emailed to Coalition members informing them of funding and next steps.  Mainellin Wagner will conduct survey in the coming weeks and Olsson will begin engaging with affected landowners.  Our anticipated timeline is to bid the project in summer/fall, with construction to follow in the fall/winter.
???????Mainelli Wagner engineering bill is attached.

Rationale:  Attached are a few pictures of completed stormwater drainage project.
Last month we approved final $13,000 payment of our $31,000 total pledge.