ORD, Neb.— The Lower Loup Natural Resources District (LLNRD) Board of Directors approved $47,840 to go to the City of Broken Bow’s ongoing flood risk assessment process during their meeting on Thursday night in Ord.
The funds will be used for the scoping phase of the project, according to Jacob Holcomb who serves as the Floodplain Administrator for the city.
As a part of the flood risk assessment, the City of Broken Bow will be looking at existing buildings and infrastructure to identify threats of flooding and develop and prioritize concepts to address said flooding. From there, a choice will be made on what ways to reduce flood risk within the watershed of Mud Creek.
According to the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE), structural mitigation projects can include levees, floodwalls, dams, jetties, retention ponds, and other examples put in place to divert water away from people and communities.
Holcomb said that by addressing flood risks, the city is aiming to lower costs for property owners and make the city an attractive place for economic growth by enhancing the safety of residents and their property.
Infrastructure funds from the city will pay for the remainder of the scoping phase, which is expected to cost over $239,000.
Holcomb expressed many thanks to LLNRD on behalf of the City of Broken Bow, saying the funds they approved to contribute to the project are very important in strengthening the city for its residents going forward.
