April 7, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide over one million dollars to Nebraska to upgrade and rehabilitate an aging flood control structure as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
 
“It is absolutely vital that we do not allow Nebraska infrastructure to fall into a state of disrepair,” said Senator Nelson. “Not only will this funding help revitalize Nebraska’s economy by creating jobs and supporting local businesses that provide needed products and services, it is also a much-needed investment in our public health and safety.”
 
The funds will go toward the Papio Creek W-3 Rehabilitation project to upgrade and rehabilitate the Papillion Creek watershed dam located southwest of the City of Blair in Washington County, NE. It was built in 1983 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a division of the USDA, and the funding will improve the structure’s flood control capabilities.
 
Specifically, the dam’s height will be raised in order to increase protection of downstream property and nearby public roads and highways. This project will substantially decrease the risk of flooding and disruption of services for nearby communities. The dam also traps attached chemicals and sediment, increasing the quality of water downstream. This plan should extend the life of the dam by an additional 90 years.
 
The USDA will deliver the funds through its Watershed Rehabilitation Program, administered by the NRCS. The Papio-Missouri Natural Resource District (PMRNRD) is the local sponsor for the project and will be responsible for operation and maintenance. Under the ARRA, NRCS will provide 65% of the funding, leaving 35% for NRD, the local sponsor. Construction is expected to begin in August 2009, and should be completed within a year.
 
Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
   
  Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimulus/index.cfm for more information. 

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