Date:

February 24, 2005

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Nicole Fleck-Tooze, Public Works, 441-6173

Mayor Coleen J. Seng today released a plan to guide sustainable urban growth in the Stevens Creek Watershed east of the City. The Steven Creek Master Plan proposes long-term planning tools and improvement projects to address flood management, water quality and stream stability. The plan was a joint project of the City and the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (LPSNRD) in cooperation with Lancaster County. The Stevens Creek Watershed is a 55-square- mile drainage area that extends to near 162nd Street.

“I want to thank all those who spent months developing this important plan for the future of the Stevens Creek area,” said Mayor Seng. “We know that land development can have a significant impact on stormwater runoff as roof tops, parking lots and roads prevent rain from soaking into the ground. With a plan, we can avoid stormwater problems we have had in other parts of town. Our goal is to help reduce future flooding and erosion problems and maintain water quality in the streams and lakes in the area.”

A 25-member Citizen Advisory Committee which developed the master plan met monthly beginning in April 2004. The public process, which began last September, included input from the Advisory Committee as well as three open houses, numerous interest group meetings, a newsletter and a Web site.

The master plan has four major elements:

• floodplain management tools, including updated floodplain and floodway maps;
• capital improvement projects to address problem areas in the watershed;
• site-specific best management practices to offset the impact of urban development on stream stability and water quality; and
• the creation of opportunity areas where natural features overlap the east beltway corridor, existing or future trails, historic features and open space.

If adopted, the Stevens Creek Watershed Master Plan would become part of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. The City-County Planning Commission will have a public hearing on the master plan at its meeting Wednesday, March 2. The master plan also will have hearings before the LPSNRD Board, the City Council and the County Board. The master plan is available on the Public Works and Utilities - Watershed Management page on the City Web site at lincoln.ne.gov.