Comprehensive Watershed Master Plan

Project Overview

Anticipated outcomes of this project will:

• Prioritize short- and long-term initiatives
• Facilitate effective coordination and efficient allocation of resources
• Save residents and businesses money through reduced flood insurance costs
• Guide the community in ensuring public safety and health
• Aid in reducing potential property damage from flooding impacts

Watershed Master Plan Goals

Watershed Management Division’s Mission Encourage sustainable growth by upholding responsible standards. Maximize Safety Minimize Flood Damage Conserve Natural Resources Ensure Quality of Life for Future Generations NRD’s Mission Maintain a sustainable environment through the conservation of land, water and wildlife.

Project Timeline

Project Focus Areas

Watershed Master Plans guide the development of capital improvement projects aligned with the priorities of the City and NRD Watershed Management programs to:

Reduce Flood Risks

Flood control measures are developed to mitigate and reduce risks such as potential property damage, and help to ensure public health and safety.

A total of 44 flood control projects were identified during planning process. Of these identified projects, 15 have been completed, and 24 have been removed due to such things as consolidation and lack of feasibility. Five (5) projects remain to be completed.

Photo from the Beal Slough Basin

Stabilize Streams

Stream stabilization measures are developed to reduce active erosion, to help stabilize channels, and prevent future erosion-related deepening and widening.

A total of 124 stream stability/grade control projects were identified during the planning process. Of these identified projects, 27 have been completed, and seven (7) have been removed due to such things as consolidation and lack of feasibility. 90 projects remain to be completed.

Photo from the Deadmans Run Basin

Improve Water Quality

Water quality improvement measures help reduce pollutant sources and treat stormwater runoff, which helps address regulatory requirements and ensures public health and safety.

A total of 39 water quality projects were identified during the planning process. Of these identified projects, 18 have been completed, and 11 have been removed due to such things as consolidation and lack of feasibility. 10 projects remain to be completed.

Photo from the Antelope Creek Basin

Prioritization Process

Development of a prioritization methodology was needed based on funding availability and other technical considerations. Projects were prioritized by:

• Reviewing the prior methodology and project scoring
• Reviewing completed and proposed project master plan information for prioritization scoring attributes
• Soliciting feedback from City and NRD staff
• Soliciting feedback from a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) consisting of local agency stakeholders and partners
• Reviewing specific projects selected by the City and NRD for their status and relevant prioritization considerations
• Incorporating findings from the above items into a revised methodology
• Applying the updated prioritization methodology to the remaining proposed projects

More information: Project Prioritization

Project Map and Report

Final Report

Interactive Project Map

Select a project on the map for more information.

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Community Involvement

Technical Advisory Committee

The project team assembled a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to provide technical oversight, as well as help ensure the plan’s final recommendations reflect public input provided in past and current efforts. Members of the TAC include:

• Larry Legg Lancaster County Engineering
• Pam Dingman Lancaster County Engineering
• Andrew Thierolf Planning Department
• Dallas McGee Urban Development
• Marc Rosso LTU Project Delivery
• Zach Becker LTU Asset Management and Performance
• JJ Yost Lincoln Parks and Recreation
• Terry Kathe Building & Safety
• Chris Schroeder Health Department
• Mark Hosking County Emergency Management
• Adele Phillips NeDNR, Floodplain Management
• Jared Nelson Lower Platte South NRD
• Tim Zach LTU Watershed

The TAC met two times during the project, first in August 2021 and again in December 2021.