Papio-Missouri River NRD Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan

Past Major Event: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Summer 2014
Severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding affected 12 Nebraska counties during the summer of 2014. Then-President Obama declared a major disaster over these counties, including Dakota, in order to provide federal disaster assistance.

FEMA-Funded Mitigation Project: Warning Systems – Dakota County Siren Project
Dakota county was one of 13 counties impacted by flooding from May to August 2011, including many within the Papio-Missiouri River NRD region. Due to the major disaster declaration signed in August 2011, Dakota County received funding to perform and evaluate existing alert sirens to help determine which ones should be replaced or upgraded. This mitigation tactic helps to improve safety of all Dakota County residents by preparing them in advance of incoming storms.

• 75% cost share provided
• Project amount $19,533; federal share $14,650

Past Major Event: Severe Snowstorms, October 1997
Severe snowstorms in October 1997 caused then-President Clinton to declare 39 counties, including Douglas, a major disaster and led to federal public assistance dollars to help support rebuilding and mitigation efforts. Omaha, for example, recorded 9.2-inches of snowfall, which doubled the previous record for an October snowstorm from 1898.

FEMA-Funded Mitigation Project: Generators – Valley City Hall Generator Project
The City of Valley was part of many jurisdictions impacted by the February 2010 severe winter and snowstorms. A major disaster declaration was signed, allowing federal public assistance to be provided to 57 counties, including Douglas. This funding allowed Valley City Hall to secure a back-up generator in 2012 with HMGP and city funds; a portable generator is available for lift stations, and the city continues to apply for funds for additional generators.

• 70% cost share
• Project amount $55,845; federal share $39,098

Past Major Event: Flooding, Summer 2011
Thirteen counties, including Sarpy, were impacted by flood waters from May to August 2011. A federal major disaster declaration was made that August by then-President Obama. Due to the extent of the flooding in Sarpy County, residents were able to apply for individual assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in addition to the county receiving public assistance funds as part of the disaster declaration.

• Individual assistance applications approved: 470
• Total individual & household program dollars: $4,311,497.50
• Total housing assistance dollars: $4,180,886.62
• Total other needs assistance dollars: $130,610.88

FEMA-Funded Mitigation Project: Land Acquisition – Iske Park/Elbow Bend
Approximately 30 houses within Iske Park community along the Missouri River were damaged beyond repair during the 2011 floods, barring the owners from rebuilding along the floodplain. By buying out these properties, the Papio-Missouri River NRD can prevent future property damage and possibly save lives in future major flooding events along the river.

• 75% cost share provided
• Project amount $2,437,508; federal share $1,828,131

Past Major Event: Severe Storms, Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, October 2013
Over four days in October 2013, 10 Nebraska counties, including Thurston, were impacted by severe storms, winter storms, tornados and flooding. Then-President Obama declared major disaster on Nov. 26, 2013, which allowed Thurston and other impacted counties to receive federal public assistance funds.

FEMA-Funded Mitigation Project: Warning Systems – Village of Pender Siren Project
As part of the 2011 flooding major disaster funding, the Village of Pender was able to add a new weather warning siren within city limits. This mitigation project will help to improve the safety of its citizens during future events.

• 75% cost share provided
• Project amount $18,993; federal share $14,245

Past Major Event: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, May 2005
The southeastern portion of Nebraska was ravaged by severe storms, tornados and flooding in May 2005, with 27 counties included in the major disaster declaration signed by then-President Bush. Not only were impacted counties, like Washington, provided federal assistance, but also individuals and householders whose properties were significantly damaged during these events.

• Individual assistance applications approved: 392
• Total individual & household program dollars: $829,908.94
• Total housing assistance dollars: $485,999.91
• Total other needs assistance dollars: $343,909.03

FEMA-Funded Mitigation Project: Dry Floodproofing – Blair Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants
In May 2011, the US Army Corp of Engineers warned those along the Missouri River south of Gavins Point Dam of flooding due to higher than usual dam release – 160,000 cubic feet of water per second versus the typical 16,000-19,000 cubic feet of water per second. This release, caused by the excessive snow pack and extreme rain fall, led the City of Blair to instal temporary flood control berms to protect the local water and wastewater treatment plant. Permanent flood control measures were construction from 2014 to 2016 included installing flood control berms, utility relocation, a new pump station and flood gate, and purchasing backup generators. Fairview Drive – the city’s only access to the plants – also had to be reconstructed with 1/3 of the roadway elevated above the 500-year high river elevation, ensuring access to the plants during any future flooding events.

• 75% cost share provided
• Project amount $7,413,942; federal share $ 5,560,455