OMAHA, Neb. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, will hold two open houses in Omaha to share details about the Papillion Creek Basin flood risk management study. The first meeting will be held on Monday, December 3, from 5:30-7:30 pm at Concordia High School (Commons Area), 15656 Fort Street, and the second meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 5 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Chalco Hills Recreation Area, 8901 S 154th Street. The objective of this study is to find solutions to reduce flood risks and improve public safety within the Papillion Creek Basin in Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties.
The open houses, which will also serve as public scoping meetings per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), will give residents and others interested in the study, a chance to learn why it is important, learn what will be done during the study process, learn about the possible benefits, and provide specific concerns and input. A formal presentation on the study will begin at 6:00 pm on both nights.
BACKGROUND: Serious flooding, including loss of life, occurred in the Papillion Creek Basin in 1964 and 1965. As a result of these floods, a 21-dam project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1968. Since then, the project has experienced considerable delays and size reduction because of significant changes in costs, regulations, and new legislation, as well as local opposition. As a result, only four of the authorized dams have been constructed by the Corps. Due to ongoing development in the basin, which has resulted in channel instability, and increases in surface runoff and water velocities, significant flood risk remains. There are approximately 4,700 structures in the 500-year floodplain with an approximate structure value of $1.9B.
For more information about the public meeting, contact Amanda Grint with the NRD at (402) 444-6222 or Tiffany Vanosdall with USACE Omaha District at (402) 995-2695.
Release no. 18-083