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Lincoln approves interlocal agreement and hazard-mitigation update with Lower Platte South NRD for Dead Man’s Run

Lincoln City Council · February 3, 2026
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Summary

The City Council approved an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Lower Platte South NRD to advance the Dead Man’s Run flood reduction project (estimated at about $30,000,000) and adopted an updated multi‑jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan required for FEMA grant eligibility.

The Lincoln City Council on Feb. 2 approved an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District to continue work on the Dead Man’s Run flood reduction project and adopted an updated multi‑jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan to preserve FEMA grant eligibility.

Elizabeth Elliott, director of Lincoln Transportation and Utilities, said the amended interlocal outlines roles, project management and financial responsibilities as the project transitions from an Army Corps focus to local implementation. David Potter, general manager of the Lower Platte South NRD, said the agreement expands the project’s scope and timeline and that the estimated cost is "about $30,000,000." He told the council the NRD board approved the cooperative agreement in October and that the city’s approval will allow design and construction to move forward.

On the hazard mitigation plan, Elliott said communities must update and adopt the plan every five years to remain eligible for several FEMA mitigation grant programs, and that the update reflects Lincoln’s priorities and vulnerability assessments. Councilwoman Washington asked whether having an updated plan guarantees FEMA funding; Elliott said it does not guarantee grants but without an approved plan the city would likely be ineligible.

Both the interlocal agreement and the hazard mitigation plan were placed before the council and approved by roll call vote (each motion carried 7-0). Elliott said the city expects to host an open house on the Dead Man’s Run project around April to share more information with the public.

The approvals authorize staff to proceed with the next steps of design and project management with the NRD; the council did not increase authorized project spending today beyond acknowledging the updated cost estimate. The projects remain subject to future project-level design approvals and any applicable permitting.