Land Treatment

Small Dams Program

Small Dam

The Lower Platte North NRD provides cost-share funds to counties and landowners for building road structures and small dams for flood control, drainage improvement and grade stabilization. The Small Dams program is primarily aimed at landowners, while the Road Dams program is intended to assist counties.

Small Dams

Landowners may receive up to 65% cost-share for constructing small dams on their property, or up to 75% in NRD targeted watersheds. The funds may be used for construction (not including site preparation), seeding, and fencing (if required by the NRCS). The maximum cost-share available is $10,000 per project.

If the site is above an NRD recreation area or if other special conditions exist, the NRD may approve a higher cost-share percentage and increase the maximum amount of cost-share funds. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility

To be eligible for cost-share assistance, a minimum of 75% land treatment is required in the watershed above the proposed structure site.

To Apply

Any landowner in the Lower Platte North NRD may apply for cost-share assistance, including individuals, partnerships, corporations, or other legal entities. Applications must be submitted by March 31 to guarantee consideration for the next fiscal year (July 1-June 31).

Upon approval, a $500 deposit must be paid to the NRD. The Natural Resources Conservation Service will proceed with survey and design work for approved projects beginning November 1. Landowners must agree to a 25-year agreement that states that cost-share funds will be returned is the project is removed, altered, or modified without the consent of the Lower Platte North NRD.

Road Structure

Road Structures

Counties may receive up to 50% of the construction costs for building road dams. The maximum funds approved for each project will be decided on a case-by-case basis. A higher cost-share rate may be approved if the site is above an NRD recreation area or other special conditions apply.

To Apply

Any county may apply for cost-share funds for road structures that will be located in the Lower Platte North NRD. Applications must be submitted by June 15 to be considered for the next fiscal year (July 1-June 31).

A county has 18 months to complete the project after receiving NRD approval. The county and NRD must enter an interlocal agreement before soliciting bids.

If the county initiates the project, it will be responsible for any required easements or permits. The NRD will be responsible on projects it initiates.The subdivision that holds the road structure easement will be responsible for operation and maintenance of the project. Major repairs to the project will be shared by all interested parties.

More Information

For more information on the Soil and Water Conservation Program, please contact Eric Gottschalk, Special Projects Coordinator.