LINCOLN, Nebraska – The first draft of the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District’s (LPSNRD) Fiscal Year 2024 Budget emphasizes flood control, water quality, stream stability projects, and continuation of repairing aging infrastructure.

The LPSNRD Board of Directors reviewed the first budget draft at its monthly meeting on Wednesday. The initial draft includes these major projects and programs:

• Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project $7.9M
• Antelope Creek 40-Scott Repair Project $2.4M
• Landowner cost-share assistance for Surface Water Quality Practices (terrace systems, buffer strips, cover crops, etc.) $2M
• Groundwater protection, studies, monitoring, testing, mapping & best management practices $1.2M
• Stream Stability projects on Lynn Creek & Salt Creek $1.1M
• Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch Project $1.8M
• Stream stabilization and bridge protection on trail corridors $1.7M
• Salt Creek Levee repairs $2.9M
• Community Assistance Program $1.2M
• Salt Creek floodplain resiliency $500,000
• Flood control dam repairs and construction $1.5M
• Saline Wetland Partnership projects $1M
• MoPac East-Lied Connector trail evaluation $100,000

The first draft of the budget contains $46.6 million in planned expenditures which includes each subcommittees requests for programs and projects. The planned expenditures exceed the anticipated revenues by $6.8 million, the gap is typical for the first draft of the budget. Once the end of the current fiscal year numbers are available, the LPSNRD Finance and Planning Subcommittee will begin considering options to cut expenditures as they develop a balanced budget.

LPSNRD Board Treasurer, Chelsea Johnson, noted the importance of public input throughout the budget process. Johnson said, “The Board will make a final decision on the budget at our August Board meeting. We will weigh the proposed budget against fiscal responsibility, and it is important we have your input as soon as possible. With your help the LPSNRD can continue to ensure proper management of our financial and our natural resources.”

The entire Draft #1 of the budget is available at LPSNRD.org. Early input is encouraged and allows the board of directors more time to review. Written comments may be submitted by mail to the LPSNRD, online at LPSNRD.org/fy24, or emailed to nrd [at] lpsnrd.org. Written or verbal comments can also be made at the upcoming board meetings and public hearing sessions all located at the district office:

• Wednesday, July 19th, 7:00 PM – Board of Directors Meeting & Tentative Budget Approval
• Wednesday, August 9th, 5:30 PM – Public Hearing on Budget
• Wednesday, August 16th, 7:00 PM – Board of Directors Meeting and Final Budget Consideration
• Wednesday, September 20, 7:00 PM – Board of Directors Meeting, Approval of LRIP and Tax Levy Rate Resolution

In other business the board:

• Authorized the purchase of a storage and maintenance property at 9600 N 27th Street, Davey, Neb. The 19.91-acre property is adjacent to the City of Lincoln’s Arbor Lake. ($480,000)
• Approved a bid ($144,030) and construction observation ($48,825) for a streambank repair project on Deadmans Run near 70th and O Street.
• Approved two cost-share applications for Surface Water Quality Best Management Practices. ($35,000)
• Approved a 0.05-acre permanent easement at Wildwood Wildlife Management Area for Lancaster County to replace a culvert on NW 84th Street and future maintenance.