February 3, 2022 at 7:30 AM - Projects Committee Meeting

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  Attached is the current SWCP policy for review.  We will plan to approve the 2022 SWCP policy, with any changes, at our March Board meeting.
Also attached is the current 2022 DNR Conservation Practice Payment Schedule.  Under our SWCP policy we need to have an approved cost docket, historically we have used the DNR table as that is what NRCS follows.  The plan will be to approve the cost docket at the same time as the SWCP policy.

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  None

Rationale:  Completion of the Shell Creek South Channel Improvement/Benching Project is underway and expected to be completed in February. Bill Bos is working on various landowner projects that will be completed by June 30, 2022.  Colfax County is also working on a potential stabilization project on a tributary to Shell Creek on road "J", between roads 1 and 2. 

JEO continues to work with NDEE on finishing the Shell Creek Watershed Water Quality Plan soon. The final invoice from JEO will be submitted upon completion of the contract.

Rationale:  Our most recent approved grant funding we have been working with for Shell Creek Watershed projects, combined $591,000 of EPA 319 funds and $114,688 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust.  We presently have $277,466 of 319 grant funds available for Shell Creek Watershed Projects to be used by June 30, 2022. An additional $176,364.16 local match is required if all available 319 funds are used.  All NET funds have been used.

Looking ahead, it is estimated that $205,000 will be needed for completing the South Shell Creek Channel Improvement/Benching Project, which should be completed in February. In addition, Colfax County is working on a new channel stabilization project proposal and Bill Bos continues to line up landowner land treatment and septic system projects. LPNNRD has budgeted approximately $100,000 of our local funds to supplement the required 40% match as needed. 

Rationale:  Tom Sprunk is working with NRCS on another possible Bank Stabilization along Shell Creek. NRCS is evaluating wetland designations at the site. It is unknown if and when this project will come forward for assistance, but if so, it will likely be in the next grant cycle (after July 1, 2022)  for consideration. Attached are recent photos of Tom's previous bank stabilization/wetlands projects completed in 2021.

Rationale: 

CRAIG NELSON

$4,800.00

Rationale: 

MARK ETLING

$6,964.85

Rationale:  As reported last month, LPNNRD and NRCS have posted the 30 day public review period for the Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan which formally ended January 23, 2020.  After comments are considered, we anticipate NRCS approval of the plan in early 2022. To date, they have received only one agency letter from the Nebraska Games & Parks Commission suggesting that the reservoirs are constructed with permanent pools for future fish habitat. 

NRCS has placed the final draft of the Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan on NRCS'swebsite:  https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ne/technical/engineering/?cid=nrcseprd1492259

Rationale:  Andrew Phillips, Olsson, was present to update the Committee on Geo-technical activities at Wahoo Creek dam sites 77, 84, 55, 85, 66, 82 & 86. Geotechnical soil sampling has been going well on the remaining seven of ten dams (Geotech was completed on Sites 26a., 26b. & 27 two years ago) and all this work should be completed this month. Andrew said that they are now ready to move forward with final design and permitting on Dam sites 26a., 26b. and 27, once given the notice to proceed.  Attached is Olsson's January 13, 2022, $63,244.43 Invoice and progress report. After this payment, $1,648,087.61 will remain on our $1,999,978 contract. NRCS will reimburse LPNNRD for this expense. 

Andrew Phillips reviewed his analysis (attached) of our contract with Olsson for services on the Wahoo Creek flood reduction dams. Since we placed Olsson "on hold" for 2 ½ - 3 years to complete most of this work (waiting for NRCS to approve the watershed plan).  As indicated, the delay has increased costs, but this is offset by the removal of Dam Site 83.  Andrew mentioned that updating the present contract should wait until we have better knowledge of how the $22 million of "StarWars" funding will come forward and how we can accelerate the project schedule. Also attached is our original contract approved November 14, 2018.

Andrew reviewed a preliminary schedule for moving forward with the 10 dam schedule through 2026, as attached.  Also attached is Mountford's scenario showing completing the dams over the next six fiscal years. 
 

Rationale: 

RON SABATKA

$4,881.00

Rationale:  On January 20, Mountford participated in a meeting at NEMA regarding FYRA's modeling and cost/ benefit analysis of the North Bend Drainage District Project (NBDD).  Also participating were representatives from NDNR, Dodge County and North Bend. The modeling analysis has been looking at justifying improvements to the four mile drainage ditch that could be impacted by potential floodwater from Rawhide Creek, overflow from Shell Creek and the Platte River. It is FYRA's opinion that the project scope should be expanded to investigate improvements to the North Bend Levee from the drainage ditch to HW 79 to obtain a positive cost/benefit outcome. FEMA/NEMA .

Rationale:  USGS has placed four Platte River cameras that are functioning on HWs 64, 77, 79 and 15.  There are also two additional gauges placed on HW 77 and 15 bridges as well.  USGS has been working with the Loup Power Canal to place a final camera on their property which is scheduled to be up and running the week of January 24th. The USGS link for viewing the cameras/gauges is  https://apps.usgs.gov/hivis/ .  

Attached is USGS's $14,700 invoice for their work under our agreement. This expense will be shared by PMRNRD, Dodge County and Fremont. There is some renewed hope to use FEMA grant funding for this project. A partner Zoom meeting is being scheduled for February 7th to discuss this topic. If successful, we would replace our existing agreement with USGS with two separate agreements to hopefully allow use of FEMA assistance. 

Rationale:  On January 31st, Elliott and Mountford participated in the Rawhide Creek WFPO meeting to discuss the status of Hydrology/ Hydraulic models that will be used (Agenda Attached). The models will not only need to focus on Rawhide Creek floodwater flows, but also the influence of the Platte River and Shell Creek flooding.  The next scheduled meeting is at the Dodge County Emergency Managers Office at 1:00 p.m, February 21, 2022. 

Rationale:  No new updates.

Rationale:  Elliott reviewed his report on the NARD Legislative Conference as attached.

Rationale:  We are working with NRCS to schedule the annual Local Work Group Meeting to give input on priorities for allocating federal program funds for various conservation practices. The meeting will be held in February or March at the Lake Wanahoo Education Building.  Once the meeting date is finalized, we will notify board members. 

Rationale:  The Projects Committee adjourned at 9:10 a.m.