Between local offices, ballot initiatives, and U.S. President — Nebraskans will face a lengthy ballot on November 5th.
One item specific to Lincoln voters is a proposed $13.9 million stormwater bond to fund over 20 infrastructure projects across the city.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird was joined by city officials Thursday morning to outline the measure before voters hit polls in less than 12 days.
If approved, the bond is projected to cost a median Lincoln homeowner approximately $9.65 annually, or 80 cents per month, starting in fiscal year 2025-26. Below is a graph breakdown of the bond.
Lincoln Transportation and Utilities
Lincoln Transportation & Utilities Director Liz Elliott said each stormwater project would contribute to reducing flooding impacts across the city through watershed and urban storm drainage efforts, stream stabilization, parks drainage projects and water quality improvement through additional street sweeping to remove pollutants.
Proposed improvements include:
- Urban drainage projects at the railroad underpass at 48th Street and Cornhusker Highway, and 10th Street and Park Avenue area
- Stream stabilization projects on the Southeast Upper Salt Creek near 27th Street, and Middle Creek near SW. 40th Street
- Parks drainage projects on Beal Slough at the Pine Lake Trail underpass rehabilitation, and on the Mahoney Park channel stabilization
- Continued work on the Deadman’s Run flood reduction project
- Street drainage emergency funds
- Citywide inlet top repairs
- Street sweepers
- Urban drainage studies
Since 1950, the City of Lincoln has declared 10 major flooding disasters. The most recent floods occurred in 2019 and 2015. Lincoln residents have approved all 15 stormwater bonds since 1977.
The drainage project at the railroad underpass at 48th Street and Cornhusker Highway became relevant back in July, after severe storms rolled through Lincoln and flooded the underpass, leaving several cars stranded.
If the bond measure passes, Lower Platte South Natural Resources Manager Mike Sousek says planned stream stabilization projects include work to protect public and private infrastructure in the Haines Branch, Southeast Upper Salt Creek, Middle Creek, and Upper Wagon Train watersheds.
Residents are invited to learn more on the measure on Wednesday, October 3o, from 6 to 7 p.m. with a Stormwater Bond Education Virtual Public Meeting. Visit lincoln.ne.gov for the virtual meeting link.
To learn more about the proposed stormwater improvement bond projects, visit lincoln.ne.gov/2024stormwaterbond