Virtual public meeting for the Papillion Creek project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, will hold a virtual public meeting Feb. 10 to present the results of the draft final feasibility report for the Papillion Creek general reevaluation study.

The purpose of the study is to develop alternatives to reduce flood risks and improve public safety within the Papillion Creek Basin in Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties.

The alternatives include: 1) reservoir construction at dam site 10 on Thomas Creek, 2) reservoir construction at dam site 19 on South Papillion Creek, 3) levee modifications on the Big Papillion Creek, Little Papillion Creek, and West Papillion Creek, 4) channel modifications on the Big Papillion Creek, Little Papillion Creek, West Papillion Creek, and South Papillion Creek, and 5) nonstructural solutions throughout the study area.

“The purpose of this virtual meeting is to provide the public an opportunity to review results of the Papillion Creek general reevaluation study report before it is submitted to Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, 55th Chief of Engineers, Commanding General USACE, for consideration,” said Rachel Williams, a project manager with the Corps. “If approved by Lt. Gen. Spellmon, the project would be recommended to Congress for approval and funding in the next Water Resources Development Act.”

The Water Resources Development Act is federal legislation, traditionally passed every two years, that provides authorization for USACE to study and construct flood control, ecosystem restoration and navigation projects for the benefit of the nation. The last WRDA bill to pass was in 2020.