LINCOLN, Nebraska (KOLN) – A flood control project is expected to remove 480 homes, businesses and other buildings from the flood plain, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities and the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District announced Thursday.

The Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project is designed to cut costs and reduce the potential flood risk for Lincoln residents. LTU Director Liz Elliott said that due to increased planning costs and high interest rates, the original cost of the project would have had to be increased by more than double ($60 million) to maintain the original plan. Now it is reduced to $26 million.

When the project was originally proposed, it was led by the United States Army Corp of Engineers and was expected to cost $25.5 million. The USACE planned to invest $10 million, and the city and LPSNRD planned to share $15.5 million for the project.

Under the updated plan, USACE will no longer be involved in the project, and the city and LPSNRD will fund it equally. It will also reduce the cost of the project from $60 million to about $26 million while still removing nearly 500 structures from the flood plain, Elliott said.

Additions to the project include detention basins, channel widening, and replacement of the 33rd Street bridge.

The project is being coordinated with the Railroad Transportation Safety District’s 33rd and Cornhusker Highway Viaduct Intersection Improvement Project, which aims to improve traffic efficiency and safety in the region.

LPSNRD Manager Mike Sousek said LPSNRD and the city continue to work with Houston Engineering and WSP on the project.

“This project will improve the safety of residents and businesses for decades to come,” Elliott said.

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