2019 Stormwater Improvements Bond
Reducing Flood Risk in Lincoln
- Stormwater Improvements Bond
- Election Date: May 7, 2019
- Bond Issue: $9.9 million
- Estimated Cost to Property Owners: $6 annually (average $183,000 home)
Stormwater projects reduce stormwater runoff and flooding during major rainfall, minimize flooding impacts from major stream channels, prevent or repair degraded stream channels, and improve water quality.
Since 1983, stormwater improvement projects have saved Lincoln residents more than $1.2 million annually by removing more than 380 acres of property from floodplains and reduction in flood insurance premiums.
2019 Stormwater Bond Projects Address Needs Across the City
Projects | Cost |
---|---|
|
$6.6 Million |
|
$0.7 Million |
|
$0.8 Million |
|
$0.8 Million |
|
$0.4 Million |
|
$0.4 Million |
|
$0.2 Million |
TOTAL $9.9 Million |
- 2019 Stormwater Projects
- Lincoln City Limits
Deadmans Run: Reducing Flood Risk In North Lincoln
The Deadmans Run Flood Risk Reduction Project is the signature project to be funded by the 2019 Stormwater Improvements Bond. The project shrinks the 100-year floodplain by 250 acres and removes approximately 480 structures, mostly homes and businesses, from the floodplain. The full $24 million project leverages $10 million in federal funding, and includes about $14 million shared evenly by Lower Platte South Natural Resources District and the City of Lincoln.
Improvements include:
Widening 1.4 miles of the main channel from Cornhusker Highway upstream to N. 48th Street;
Constructing a drainage system to convey stormwater under two railroad bridges west of N. 33rd Street;
Relocating the State Fair Park access road;
Replacing bridges over Deadmans Run at N. 33rd, 38th and 48th streets;
Constructing a stormwater detention basin near Fleming Fields; and
Planting trees and native grasses to ensure no negative environmental impacts.
Public input was gathered in 2017 and 2018. The design is being finalized in 2019. Construction is slated for 2021 and 2022.
History of Stormwater Improvement Bonds
For more than 40 years, stormwater bonds have financed projects that:
- Improve the City's stormwater and drainage systems;
- Protect personal health and property;
- Remove residential and commercial properties from floodplains;
- Open new land for development;
- Stabilize banks of streams and creeks; and
- Attract federal, state and regional funding partners.
Twelve bonds have been passed by voters since 1983.
- Seven of these have been retired.
- Four have been refinanced at lower interest rates to save property owners money.
Year | Bond |
---|---|
1983 | $2.55 Million |
1986 | $6.8 Million |
1991 | $5.6 Million |
1995 | $4.0 Million |
1997 | $8.3 Million |
2001 | $7.5 Million |
2003 | $10.0 Million |
2005 | $9.95 Million |
2007 | $8.3 Million |
2010 | $8.2 Million |
2012 | $7.9 Million |
2016 | $6.3 Million |
Projects funded by stormwater bond revenue have significantly reduced flood risks in Lincoln. Lincoln’s flood insurance rates are 25 percent less than the national average, due to exceptional floodplain management and reduction efforts.