The Papio-Missouri River NRD Board of Directors held their monthly meeting April 14, 2016. Board actions included:

Funding for Bellevue Riverfront Redevelopment
Zorinsky Water Quality Basin Engineering Contract
Elkhorn Crossing Park Improvements

Bellevue Riverfront Redevelopment Gets NRD Funding

     At this meeting the Board of Directors of the Papio-Missouri River NRD approved an agreement with the City of Bellevue to split the cost of continuing redevelopment of the Missouri Riverfront with the City. Historic flooding in 2011 delayed many projects planned for the area of American Hero’s Park. The NRD and the City have been cooperating for years to add recreational features and the current cooperative agreement will revitalize the redevelopment.

     The estimated cost of the recreational and educational improvements is $2.8 million with the City and NRD each paying half. “This work will bring a renewed emphasis and the future looks bright,” said NRD General Manager, John Winkler.

     The design plans are to give the American Heroes Park a facelift, adding paved trails, a UNO research station and more parking among other amenities. “The Missouri River is a wonderful asset for the Bellevue area and our entire region,” added Winkler. “We cannot let this resource and recreational destination be ignored,” he said.

Zorinsky Lake to see additional Water Quality Protection

     The NRD Board has approved an engineering contract for the planning, permitting, and design of Zorinsky Water Quality Basin Number 2 (ZB2) with HDR Engineering of Omaha. ZB2 will be located west of 204th St and south of West Center Road. HDR will provide the professional services for Phase 1 of the ZB2 project on an hourly basis not to exceed  $470,200.

     The new water quality basin will work in connection with the recently constructed ZB1 Basin near 204th Street, north of West Center Road and two others previously built to provide sediment control on Boxelder Creek, the main Papillion Creek Watershed tributary flowing into Zorinsky Lake. ZB2 will control storm water runoff from a 1.6 square mile area including agricultural and development land.

     “These basins retain sediment from storm water runoff protecting the water quality of Zorinsky Lake. They will increase the lake’s usefulness for recreation and flood control,” said NRD General Manager, John Winkler.

     The Zorinsky Water Quality Basins are constructed by the NRD in cooperation with the Papillion Creek Watershed partnership that includes the Cities of Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, Boys Town, Gretna, Ralston, LaVista, Sarpy County and the NRD.

Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area to See Improvements

     The very popular Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area in western Douglas County will see major improvements following approval of a contract with Dostal’s Construction of Gretna, NE.

     Concrete walkways, drainage improvements, and playground installation will be completed this year at a cost of $136, 800. Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area is located near 252nd Street and Bennington Road, on the Elkhorn River in Douglas County. The NRD has constructed and manages three Elkhorn River Access areas in the county. Others are Graske Crossing near West Dodge Road and a site near West Maple Road.

     “All three of these river access areas receive thousands of visits each year and serve as beautiful entry and exit points for river float trips,” said NRD General Manager, John Winkler. Elkhorn Crossing also offers free camping. No park permits are required at Natural Resources District recreation areas.

Emmett J Egr, APR

Information/Education Coordinator

Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District

8901 S 154th St, Omaha, NE 68138

402-315-1708

eegr [at] papionrd.org

www.papionrd.org