September 1, 2022 at 7:30 AM - Projects Committee Meeting

Rationale:  Grade stabilization structure project is complete.  Total invoice for $39,647.56 is attached.  Landowner share of the total is 25%.  We previously reimbursed Tom for $6,500 of rock in order to close out the NET grant.  Final reimbursement due to Tom is $23,235.67.

Rationale:  NET grant is in progress and due October 6th.
Old 319 grant has wrapped up and final reports are underway.
New 319 PIP is being drafted.
On 8/18 NRD staff, NDEE, Colfax county, and SCWIG members met at Bailey's to discuss/plan next phase of implementation for Shell Creek.  Of note: Bill Bos believes that the septic system upgrade will continue to be a big ticket.  He also is planning a couple more grade stabilization projects.

Rationale: 

KEVIN WEEDER

$6,143.78

Rationale:  NRD staff, Olsson, and FYRA met with NeDNR on August 24th to discuss JEDI funding.  We are jointly working on a memo to update and clarify funding detailed in the NRCS Watershed Plan Environmental Assessment.  We expect a funding agreement with NeDNR before the end of September.

Rationale:  Attached is Olsson's progress report and current invoice's for work completed on the Wahoo Creek Watershed design. 
On 8/17, Chapman and Elliott met with Olsson's to update and plan for the mitigation portion that is required through the ACOE permitting process.  The stream and wetland mitigation is planned to be completed during dam construction and will be included during the land rites process.
Total stream length needed to be mitigated for entire Watershed Plan is around 15,000 feet.  Actual length will be finalized depending on site locations.
 

Rationale:  On 8/29, Chapman and Elliott, along with Directors: Pollard, Thompson, Olson, and Saeger attended a JWMAB meeting that covered three different watershed plans:

• West Fremont/Platte Township BRIC NEMA kickoff - representatives from NEMA/FEMA were present to explain the plan development process and timelines.  
• East Fremont/Elkhorn Township FEMA Advanced Assistance - JEO presented to the group two options 

Rationale:  On 8/29 JEO presented to the JWMAB on the current status of the E. Fremont/Elkhorn Township Phase 1 Alternatives study.  The two best alternatives that JEO has concluded will reduce flooding in the southeast section of Fremont, but only one alternative would address rural flooding east to the Elkhorn river.  Attached is JEO's breakdown of the two alternatives.
Alternative 1 - ditch widening to the Elkhorn river (attachment 2).  JEO estimated total project cost $91 million.
Alternative 2 - ditch widening with detention pond.  JEO estimated total project cost $55 million.

FEMA Advanced Assistance Grant requirements require that all contributing partners send a letter of financial commitment to continue with the process.  This letter will be due in the near future.

The expected federal cost share is 75%, which means that the LPNNRD, Dodge County, and Fremont will have to share the remaining 25%.  According to current plan the local 25% share could be $11 million to $30 million depending on which alternative is pursued.  Local cost share is eligible for state funding (NET, WSF e.g.) to account for local entity portion.  

Rationale:  On 8/29 JEO presented to JWMAB on the current status of the Rawhide Creek Watershed (NRCS funded) WFPO study.  The study covers an area from Schuyler to west Fremont (attachment).  
JEO covered the complexities of Platte river influence on the Rawhide watershed and how the river would affect alternative choice.  They covered multiple alternatives from west of Fremont to west of North Bend.  
Potential alternatives include: Fremont Cut-off road raise, Rawhide creek berms, detention cells.  
Alternative cost estimates range from $5 million to $200 million.
JEO plans to meet with NRCS next month to deliver plan alternatives.  They will need confirmation from partnering entities to continue with planning effort.
 

Rationale:  On 8/29 FEMA/NEMA representatives presented to JWMAB, and JEO, for the West Fremont/Platte Township BRIC study kickoff.  JWMAB members were made aware of BRIC program deliverables and timelines.
This study will be similar in scope and scale as other area watershed studies.
FEMA will cover costs of study.
Dodge county is the lead agency on this project for JWMAB.

Rationale:  JWMAB has been informed that the request to include upgrades to North Bend levee will not be allowed within the approved scope of repair under FEMA.  See attached letter.
Tom Smith informed JWMAB at 8/29 meeting that the plan was to move ahead with planned repairs of North Bend drainage ditch.

Rationale:  Hazard Mitigation Plan RFP was sent to area firms, posted on our website, and posted on the American Planning Association's website.  RFPs are due October 26th.  Staff plan to meet with the three county emergency managers prior to the November 3rd Committee Meeting.  It is expected that a recommendation to hire a firm will be made at the November 3rd Committee Meeting for Board decision on November 14th.

Rationale:  For discussion is a request from Village of Lindsay for NRD to provide cost-share assistance for the pond rehabilitation project, up to $50,000 attached.