October 29, 2026 at 7:30 AM - Projects Committee Meeting

Rationale:  The next SCWIG meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 17.

Rationale:  Bill Bos submitted paperwork for a completed onsite wastewater upgrade:

Lisa Henke

Onsite Wastewater

$10,200

$9,085.52

Rationale:  Bill Bos submitted an application for cover crops:

Craig Foltz

Cover Crop (30ac)

$900

Rationale:  On 10/21 DWEE Dam Safety toured WCW sites 26A & B for a "pre-substantial completion" walk through (checklist attached).  The purpose of the visit is to ensure that the structures are at a state of completion to function during a significant storm event.  Olsson has completed preliminary as-built surveys that confirm both structures have been constructed to design specifications; e.g. top of dam elevation, upstream/downstream toes, inlet elevation.
DWEE expressed no concerns during the visit.  Once final items on checklist have been completed, Olsson will submit required paperwork to DWEE.  
TCI submitted a change order request (attached) to account for extension needed for substantial completion and final completion of project.  Expected substantial completion for sites 26 A&B is November 30 and site 27 is December 31.  Final completion for all three sites is May 1, 2027; this is to account for buffer area planting which is a native, warm season, mix that will be drilled mid-spring, and any necessary earthwork.
Construction highlights for the month:

• Shanhan installed riprap on sites 26A&B and 3" crushed aggregate walkways to inlets
• Shanahan continued embankment fill on site 27
• TCI installed riser stem guides, ladder, valve stem and actuator stand at 27
• Discussion about foundation drain seepage on 26B and plans to mitigate.  Olsson believes that groundwater is infiltrating the gravel layer and not entering the tile drain.  Plan to mitigate will involve Shanahan/TCI excavating behind riprap and placing flowable fill (cement mix) to a level that will cut off groundwater flow and force into tile drain.

TCI invoice attached
Olsson invoice attached

Rationale:  Olsson is working through final comments from DWEE Dam Safety for sites 77 & 84 and expects to have permits by end of November.
On 10/14 the NRD hosted a pre-bid conference with potential bidders for WCW Sites 55, 77 & 84.  There were 13 contractor representatives in attendance, as well as, Olsson and NRCS staff.  Lacey Sabatka developed a video montage of all three sites from drone footage to give contractors a visual perspective of the sites, in particular, the necessary tree removal.  The video led to good discussion on extents of tree removal, and other potential challenges, specifically, at site 55.
Olsson invoices attached

Rationale:  We were notified by Title Services of Saunders County that they have all the required documentation needed for the Maahs acquisition.  Once all parties have signed we will finalize easement transfer with Library Foundation.
Olsson invoices attached

Rationale:  Final easement documents are being finalized and landowner offers are expected the first week of November.  Additional survey work occurred to finalize permanent access easements.  A conversation is expected at the November Board meeting regarding timing of letting the bid.  Invoices attached.

Rationale:  Attached is a list of Nebrask Buffer Strip Program contracts that are due for their annual payment.  As a reminder, the NRD acts as administrator for the contracts and all funding for contracts comes from DWEE.

Rationale: 

2026 Flood Damage - Project Updates

FYI, as this it being handled in O&M committee.

Following the September 30-October 1, 2026, flooding event, staff continues to evaluate damage and pursue potential federal assistance for three projects. Letters requesting assistance under USACE Public Law 84-99 were submitted October 28, 2026. NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) assistance request letters have also been drafted.

1. Camp Ashland Fuse Plug - Estimated Cost: $52,500

Floodwaters eroded approximately 60 feet of the fuse plug, which is part of the Platte River levee system. Repairs are needed to restore the structure. Staff is also discussing potential design improvements with USACE to improve future performance.

2. Sand/Duck Creek Site 16 - Estimated Cost: $20,000

Floodwaters displaced riprap downstream of the grade stabilization structure, creating concerns about continued erosion and potential headcutting toward the dam. Proposed repairs include replacing riprap and stabilizing the damaged area.

3. Keiser Dam / Union Township - Estimated Cost: Thousands to Millions

Flooding caused significant damage to the privately owned dam and surrounding drainage system. Staff is evaluating alternatives ranging from localized channel stabilization and sediment removal to more extensive grade stabilization or reconstruction. Costs could range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on the selected scope and available funding. Potential project partners include Saunders County and the Clear Creek Dike and Drainage District. Staff will continue coordinating with these entities to evaluate potential improvements, funding opportunities, and project responsibilities. Pictures attached.

Next Steps: Staff will continue coordinating with USACE, NRCS, FEMA/NEMA, and other project partners to determine funding eligibility, refine repair alternatives, and develop project scopes and cost estimates.