1 Comment
Aug 23, 2022Liked by Andrew L Sullivan

This is an interesting topic up for discussion and further research given the proposed $3.6B expansion of the UNMC Medical Center in that area just east of Saddlecreek.

Currently the creek itself has been previously funneled into an aqueduct under the road and discharges back out into the Papillion Creek leg known as the Big Papio. which is one of four main creek tributaries in the Papillion Creek Watershed. The watershed also has 32 minor tributaries feeding into the creeks.

With continued growth and development, Omaha's population has overwhelmed existing flood control infrastructure and placed a much higher demand on our Storm Water Runoff sewer systems. To alleviate the problem, the Papio-Missouri Natural Resource District has a plan to install a flood control structure designated Damsite 10 upstream from Saddlecreek and is actively completing the engineering phase of the development. As funds become available, the land to develop the proposed damsite will be acquired.

Other alternative plans to control flooding throughout the Metropolitan area are also proceeding well now that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has completed its most recent effort to remap the Flood Plain and has released its findings. Our PM-NRD staff of engineers has been analyzing the new data and is working to adjust its area Flood Control and Hazard Mitigation Plans.

As the engineering plan for Damsite 10 begins to near completion, the PM-NRD will again host public meetings for all interested parties, taxpayers, media and other stakeholders in order to share information and receive input. I too am always available for further questions or inquiries from the public.

Best regards!

Patrick Bonnett, Director

Papio-Missouri Natural Resource District

Sub-district 9 in Millard/ S.W. Omaha

Personal Cell: 402-968-7282

Expand full comment