Natural Resources District Profile

NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT PROFILE

LOWER ELKHORN NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT

Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

2020

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Local Planning Team

Table LEK.1: Lower Elkhorn Local Planning Team Name Title Jurisdiction Curt Becker Projects Manager LENRD Brian Bruckner Assistant General Manager LENRD Kristie Freudenburg Grant Coordinator LENRD

Location and Geography The Lower Elkhorn NRD is located in north eastern Nebraska and is comprised of all of Pierce, Wayne, Madison, Stanton, and Cuming Counties and portions of Antelope, Burt, Cedar, Colfax, Dixon, Dodge, Knox, Platte, Ponca, and Thurston Counties (Figure LEK.1). Major waterways in the area include the Elkhorn River, Dry Creek, Willow Creek, Deer Creek, Meridian Creek, Logan Creek, Maskenthine Creek, and Union Creek. The Lower Elkhorn NRD topographic regions include plains, valleys, and valley-side slopes and a vast majority of the NRD land is characterized by agricultural lands.i

Figure LEK.1: Lower Elkhorn NRD

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Transportation The NRD’s major transportation corridors include U.S. Highway 20 with 2,400 vehicles a day, U.S. Highway 81 with 8,500 vehicles a day, U.S. Highway 275 with 6,100 vehicles a day, and several state highways.ii The major railroads which travel through the NRD include the BNSF Railway and Nebraska Central Railroad Company. Transportation information is important to hazard mitigation plans because it suggests possible evacuation corridors in the community, as well as areas more at risk to transportation incidents.

Demographics The NRD does not collect the demographic information of the district’s population, nor does the U.S. Census Bureau recognize the NRD as a distinct unit. As a result, there is no population data generated specifically for the NRD. For information regarding population data, please refer to a specific jurisdiction’s community profile or to Section Three: Demographics and Asset Inventory.

Future Development Trends In May 2018, the Lower Elkhorn NRD moved its office to a new location at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk. The NRD is applying for funding to construct a dam at Battle Creek. Some of the possible benefits from this project include flood control and aquifer recharge.

Parcel Improvements and Valuation Please refer to the individual Community Profiles for information regarding parcel improvements, valuation, and discussion for specific jurisdictions across the planning area.

Critical Infrastructure/Key Resources Chemical Storage Fixed Sites Chemical sites are located throughout the NRD. Complete lists of chemical storage sites in each jurisdiction may be found in their community profile.

Critical Facilities Each participating jurisdiction identified critical facilities vital for disaster response, providing shelter to the public, and essential for returning the jurisdiction’s functions to normal during and after a disaster. Critical facilities were identified during the original planning process and updated by the local planning team as a part of this plan update. The following table and figure provide a summary of the critical facilities for the jurisdiction.

Table LEK.2: Critical Facilities Located in CF Red Cross Generator Floodplain Number Name Shelter (Y/N) (Y/N) (Y/N) 1 Cowboy Trail-Norfolk Connector N N Y 2 Lower Elkhorn NRD Building N N N 3 Maple Creek Recreation Area N N Y 4 Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area N N Y 5 Pilger Recreation Area N N Y 6 Willow Creek State Recreation Area N N Y

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Figure LEK.2: Critical Facilities

*Special Flood Hazard Area was digitally traced from the hard copy FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). This estimated floodplain traced from the FIRM should not be used for flood insurance purposes, the actual FIRM should be used.

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Historical Occurrences For the complete discussion on historical occurrences, please refer to Section 4: Risk Assessment.

Hazard Prioritization For an in-depth discussion regarding area wide hazards, please see Section Four: Risk Assessment.

Governance The Lower Elkhorn NRD is governed by a group of 15 elected Board of Directors and entrusted with a broad range of responsibilities to protect and enhance Nebraska’s many natural resources. The NRD serves both incorporated and unincorporated areas within their district and has the capability to financially and administratively assist villages, cities, and counties with mitigation actions (most commonly flood control and drainage improvements). The following positions are under the General Manager and may help implement mitigation projects:

Projects Manager Program Manager Program Assistants Parks Superintendent Conservation Aides Parks Assistant Part-Time Employees Administrative Supervisor Office Assistants Assistant General Manager/Water Information and Education Specialist Resources Manager GIS Specialist Rural Water Water Resources Operations System Technician Bazile Groundwater Management Area Financial Secretary Project Coordinator Part-Time Staff

Capability Assessment The NRD has the authority to levy taxes for specific purposes and to issue general obligation bonds to finance certain projects. The NRD also regularly engages in public education and information programs related to hazard mitigation in the area, and routinely works with other counties, cities, and villages within their jurisdictional boundaries.

Table LEK.3: Capability Assessment Overall Capability Limited/Moderate/High Does your agency have the financial resources needed to Moderate implement mitigation projects? Does your agency have the staff/expertise to implement Moderate projects? Does your agency have the community support to implement Moderate projects? Does your agency staff have the time to devote to hazard Moderate mitigation?

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Plan Integration The NRD has several plans which relate to hazard mitigation. A brief summary of these plans is listed below.

Lower Elkhorn NRD Master Plan - 2010 This plan includes the overall goals and objectives for the NRD, which are consistent with the goals of the HMP. One goal identified in the plan is to conserve groundwater quantity and quality. The plan includes a number of objectives to achieve that goal. Flood control projects identified within the Master Plan are consistent with the projects identified within the HMP. The LENRD updates the Master Plan every ten years. The next Master Plan update is scheduled for 2020 and the NRD will evaluate projects in the HMP for inclusion in the Master Plan.

Groundwater Management Plan - 2018 This plan serves as a foundation for decision-making while managing groundwater resources within the district. The plan outlines the regulatory actions that the district will take when groundwater quantity or quality problems arise. The Groundwater Management Plan is reviewed annually. The drought portion of the HMP will be incorporated into future updates of the Groundwater Management Plan as it will be utilized to identify data sources and allocation levels for future water consumption. The definition of drought provided in this document and the Drought Management Plan will be a foundation of data to inform updates to the Groundwater Management Plan.

Integrated Management Plan - 2018 This voluntary integrated management plan provides the framework for wise, long-term management of water resources. The purpose of the plan is to achieve and sustain a long-term balance between District water uses and water supplies. This is achieved through coordinated management of hydrologically connected groundwater and surface water. Projects identified in the HMP will be evaluated for inclusion within future updates to the Integrated Management Plan.

Drought Management Plan - 2017 The Drought Management plan defined drought locally and identified processes in order to respond and manage the impacts of future drought events. The plan provides the foundation of the drought portion of the HMP and will be adopted as an appendix of the HMP.

Bazile Groundwater Management Plan – 2016 This plan was developed jointly by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Lewis & Clark NRD, Lower Elkhorn NRD, Lower Niobrara NRD, and Upper Elkhorn NRD to address water quality concerns within Antelope, Knox, and Pierce counties. The plan identifies strategies to protect groundwater supplies and manage the level of contaminants present in the plan area. If water supplies decline during periods of drought, water quality could be negatively impacted.

No other examples of plan integration were identified. Other than specified, there are currently no plans to further integrate existing or future planning mechanisms.

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Mitigation Strategy Ongoing and New Mitigation Actions

Action Alert Sirens Perform an evaluation of existing alert sirens in order to determine which Analysis sirens should be replaced or upgraded. Install new sirens where lacking. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $15,000+ Potential Funding HMGP, General NRD Fund Timeline 1-2 years Priority Medium Lead Agency Program Manager, Grants Coordinator In Progress. The NRD turned in an NOI for a siren for Maskentime Status Recreation Area.

Create a City/Village Wide Master Plan to Prioritize all Flood Related Action Projects Identify potential flooding sources and flood-vulnerable areas. Explore Analysis solutions and prioritize. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding, Dam Failure, Levee Failure Estimated Cost $10,000, Staff Time Potential Funding General NRD Fund Timeline 2-5 Years Priority High Lead Agency Water Resources Manager In Progress. The NRD does have a Master Plan that identifies all future Status projects. This plan includes the Battle Creek dam, the Randolph flood control project, and drainage studies in Osmond, Pierce, Pender.

Action Levee/Flood Construction and/or Improvements Levees and floodwalls serve to provide flood protection to businesses and residents during large storm events. Improvements to existing levees and Analysis floodwalls will increase flood protection. If possible, the structure may be designed to FEMA standards to provide 100-year flood protection providing additional flood insurance benefits. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding Estimated Cost $500,000+ Potential Funding BRIC, General NRD Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority High Lead Agency General Manager, Programs Manager In Progress. The NRD is pursuing the Battle Creek Flood Control Status Structure, as well as levee certifications in West Point and Clarkson.

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Action Public Awareness Through activities such as outreach projects, distribution of maps and environmental education increase public awareness of natural hazards to both public and private property owners, renters, businesses, and local officials about hazards and ways to protect people and property from these Analysis hazards. Also, educate citizens on water conservation methods, evacuation plans, etc. In addition, purchasing equipment such as overhead projectors and laptops. Pursue opportunities to conserve water use by the citizens during elongated periods of drought. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $0-$5,000+ Potential Funding General NRD Fund Timeline Ongoing Effort Priority High Lead Agency I & E Coordinator Ongoing. The NRD currently has a robust education program. The NRD will continue to explore opportunities to educate the public about hazards. Status The NRD is assisting Wayne, West Point, Norfolk to develop Drought Management Plans. The NRD has developed a drought management plan in 2017.

Action Randolph Flood-Prone Structure Alleviation Projection Use Army Corps of Engineers to alleviate 174 structures from floodplain Analysis through Section 205 funding. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding, Dam Failure, Levee Failure Estimated Cost Varies Potential Funding Army Corp of Engineers, General NRD Fund, Randolph General Fund Timeline 2-5 Years Priority High Lead Agency Projects Manager In Progress. In process of a channel widening project with the U.S Army Status Corps of Engineers.

Action River/Stream Bank Stabilization Bank degradation is occurring along many rivers and creeks. Stabilization Analysis improvements including rock rip rap, vegetative cover, j-hooks, boulder vanes, etc. can be implemented to reestablish the channel banks. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding Estimated Cost Varies greatly with size and length of channel requiring bank stabilization. Potential Funding General NRD Fund Timeline Ongoing Effort, Scribner project 2-3 years Priority Low/Medium Lead Agency Programs Manager In Progress. The NRD is currently assisting Scribner and Dodge County with a project to repair and incorporate mitigation in an area which was Status damaged in the March flooding event. The NRD will continue to evaluate areas in need of bank stabilization.

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Action Safe Room / Storm Shelter Design and construct storm shelters and safe rooms in highly vulnerable Analysis areas such as mobile home parks, campgrounds, schools, and other areas. Hazard(s) Addressed Tornadoes, High Winds, Severe Thunderstorms Estimated Cost $200-$300/sf stand alone; $150-$200/sf addition/retrofit Potential Funding PDM, HMGP, General NRD Fund Timeline 2 – 5 Years Priority High Lead Agency Programs Manager In Progress. The NRD has submitted an NOI for shelter at Maskentime Status Recreation Area.

Action Source Water Contingency Plan Analysis Evaluate and locate new sources of groundwater. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost Varies Potential Funding General NRD Fund Timeline Ongoing Effort Priority Medium/High Lead Agency Water Resources Manager In Progress. 3-mile grid AEM Survey completed in 2018. Partnering with Dodge and Plainview with Source water protection evaluations. (Follow up with Jon Mohr). Have two Rural Water Districts, could utilize in the future) Status The NRD will continue to coordinate with communities, including the Village of Snyder which they are working with to source a new well. Logan East Rural Water System/and the NRD will continue to work with communities to ensure adequate source water.

Removed Mitigation Actions

Action Emergency Communications Establish an action plan to improve communication between agencies to Analysis better assist residents and businesses during and following emergencies. Establish inner-operable communications. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards The NRD has action plans in place for flood control structures. No Reason for Removal additional plans will be pursued at this time.

Action Formal Evacuation Plan Develop an evacuation plan to prepare for any disaster that would require Analysis evacuation. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Determined to be no longer needed. The NRD will continue to coordinate Reason for Removal with Counties and Communities regarding the current evacuate plans in place in EAPs.

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Action Tree City USA – Tree Maintenance Programs Work to become a Tree City USA through the National Arbor Day Foundation in order to receive direction, technical assistance, and public education on how to establish a tree maintenance program in order to Analysis maintain trees in a community to limited potential damages when a storm event occurs. The four main requirements include: 1) Establish a tree board; 2) Enact a tree care ordinance; 3) Establish a forestry care program; 4) Enact an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Severe Thunderstorms, Severe Winter Storms, High Winds, Tornadoes, Hazard(s) Addressed Hail Reason for Removal This action will be pursued by communities.

Action Water Conservation Awareness Pursue opportunities to conserve water use by the citizens during Analysis elongated periods of drought. Hazard(s) Addressed Drought Status This action will be combined with the public awareness action.

i Center for Applied Rural Innovation. “Topographic Regions Map of Nebraska.” 2001. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/caripubs/62. ii Nebraska Department of Roads. “Traffic Flow Map of the State Highways: State of Nebraska.” [map]. Scale 1”= 20 miles. State of Nebraska: Department of Roads, 2015. http://www.roads.nebraska.gov/media/2510/2014-statewide-traffic-flow-map.pdf

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THE PONCA TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

2020

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Local Planning Team

Table PCT.1: Ponca Tribe Local Planning Team Name Title Jurisdiction Georja Krebs Environmental Manager Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Misha Mazurkewycz Tribal Response Program Tech Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Falon McAlpin Executive Director Tribal Affairs Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Director of Facilities and Risk Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Manager Transportation Planner Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

The Ponca Tribe and the Lower Elkhorn NRD HMP Due to the geographic dispersal of the tribe, the HMP will specifically address members of the tribe living in and around the Lower Elkhorn NRD. This plan primarily focuses on tribal populations in Madison, Stanton, and Wayne Counties as well as any nearby members located in Burt and Platte County, which are partially located in the NRD. The Ponca Tribe’s largest set of facilities are stationed in Norfolk, Nebraska, which is in Madison County. The structures were formerly used as a college facility and now serve many purposes for the tribe. The buildings supply office space, a gym and recreation facility, a dormitory, several housing units, and a large area of open space.

Location and Geography The Ponca are a Native American people with two federally recognized tribes; The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. Today, the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska has no geographic reservation, but has established a Service Delivery Area (SDA) of 15 counties in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Five office sites have been established that offer a variety of services to Ponca tribal members and in some cases any enrolled Native American community member. The following figure indicates the location of these counties.

Figure PCT.1: Service Delivery Area for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Source: Ponca Tribe of Nebraskai

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Demographics According to the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s Tribal Enrollment Report there were 4,185 members as of August 2018. Of these members, 1,654 reside within the Serve Delivery Area (SDA), an increase of 19.6% from the previous plan total of 1,383 people. There are 377 tribal members located in the counties included in both the SDA and Lower Elkhorn NRD. Madison County holds most of these members, with 365. The next most populous counties are Wayne (36), Platte (31), Burt (17), and Stanton (nine). Since the US Census Bureau estimates deviate significantly from those reported by the tribe itself, further discussions of gender and sex breakdown for members the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska are not included in this plan. The age groupings provided below were calculated by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s enrollment department:

Table PCT.2: Ponca Tribe Members by Age Cohort Age Nebraska Members Madison County Members Under 5 149 9% 35 9.6% 5-64 1,429 87% 316 86.6% Over 65 67 4% 14 3.8% Total 1,645 100% 365 100% Source: Ponca Tribe of Nebraskaii

History of the Ponca People The Ponca Tribe is a tribe rich in culture and heritage, with a history that runs deeper, even, then that of the State of Nebraska. Having first appeared in any official reference work in the year 1701 – placed on a map by Pierre-Charles Le Sueur, along the banks of the Missouri River – the Ponca flourished in the ways of trade, agriculture, and diplomatic affairs.

In the early days, the tribe developed their homelands in the form of scattered, small villages nestled along Ponca Creek near the Niobrara River, situated closely to present-day Verdel (northeastern Nebraska). During that time, the culture and social life of the Ponca were very similar to that of the Omaha, as well as a number of other Native-American tribes (the Osage, Kaw, and Quapaw, particularly) – a resemblance that can still be seen in such events as the tribes' Pow-wow ceremonies and associated dances and traditions.

Upon contact with white settlers in the late 1700's, the Ponca’s were exposed to a number of fatal diseases, including smallpox. At this time, too, the Ponca – though a very peaceful people, by nature – were suffering from the devastating tolls of intertribal warfare, including mounting aggression from the Sioux, as well as (to a lesser extent) the Pawnee, Cheyenne, and Arikara.

In fact, the tolls of war and European disease were so great and impacting that, by as early as 1804 – when the Ponca’s were first visited by Lewis and Clark on the course of their expedition – the tribe's numbers had dwindled to only about 200, down from an earlier height of approximately 800.

Throughout the early 1800's the Ponca’s had signed and cooperated in the development of numerous treaties with the U.S. government. All of this work, however, would go to waste when the U.S. signed the "Treaty of Fort Laramie" with the Western Sioux tribes. In this treaty, the United States inadvertently assigned all lands of the Ponca’s' residence over to the Sioux; the tribe's former aggressors and most hostile enemies.

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Figure PCT.2: Ponca Trail of Tears

Source: NebraskaStudies.org

The U.S. government, upon the discovery of their administrative oversight, would later confer to relocate the less powerful Ponca People to Indian Territory in Oklahoma, where, due to a lack of hospitable lands, the tribe's disparity would only continue to grow.

Figure PCT.2 Ponca Tribal Ancestors

(The Ponca’s were a peaceful people and cooperated diplomatically with the U.S. government.)

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In the winter of 1879, shortly after the loss of his daughter, Prairie Flower – who died in the course of the Ponca’s' forced removal and military escort to Indian Territory – Ponca Chief Standing Bear would suffer the loss of his only son, Bear Shield. Prior to his death, Standing Bear had promised Bear Shield that he would be buried in the grounds of the Ponca’s’ old homelands, near the Niobrara River in Nebraska. In light of this, Chief Standing Bear, along with a number of his followers, chose to return to Nebraska to bury his son.

Having left Indian Territory without permission, orders quickly funneled through Washington (from General Sherman) to Omaha, mandating the arrest of the already bedraggled Poncas.

Figure PCT.3: Rail Officials

Source: NebraskaStudies.org

Following this arrest of the Ponca Chief and his followers, the presses soared. An editor at the Omaha Herald, Thomas Tibbles, had learned of the plight of the Ponca’s, and made it his mission to spread awareness and sympathy for the conditions of the tribe. Shortly thereafter, a court hearing was arranged in April of the same year. It was during these events that Standing Bear rose to make his historic address to the court, through the aid of his interpreter and the first woman to speak out for Native rights, Susette La Flesche Tibble ("Bright Eyes"):

"That hand is not the color of yours, but if I pierce it, I shall feel pain. If you pierce your hand, you also feel pain. The blood that will flow from mine will be the same color as yours. I am a man. God made us both."

Figure PCT.4: Trial of Chief Standing Bear

(To the left is Susette La Flesche Tibble. To the right sits General Crook.)

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Following the trial, Judge Elmer Dundy delivered the precedent-setting ruling that an Indian is "a person" within the meaning of the law. Chief Standing Bear was allowed to return to the Niobrara River to bury his son.

In the 1960’s the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska was one of many tribes that were “terminated” – no longer a Federally Recognized Tribe. In 1990, the Northern Ponca Restoration Committee, Inc. (founded just over a year earlier) successfully lobbied Congress and the Nebraska Unicameral to restore their status as a Federally Recognized Tribe.

Transportation Most of the tribe’s facilities in Madison County are located off of the corner of Syracuse Avenue and Hillview Drive in Norfolk. To access the tribe’s facilitates, additional back roads are required to be used. Both Syracuse Avenue and Hillview Drive service local traffic.

For Madison County as a whole, whose transportation structure may impact the members of the Ponca Tribe which are dispersed throughout the area, a description is provided below.

The three main routes of concern to the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska mitigation planners are Highway 81, Highway 275 and Syracuse Street. The highways are main thoroughfares through town and Highway 81 runs within a half a mile of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska headquarters. Syracuse Avenue runs east and west and turns into the headquarters. The highways transport a variety of agricultural and industrial chemicals and expose the population to potential impacts from a hazardous materials impact. At present no significant transportation events have impacted residents but this is enough of a threat that it cannot be disregarded.

Future Development Trends Madison County development plans will impact The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and members of the Ponca Tribe that reside in Madison County. The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska does not anticipate a notable increase in membership enrollment or development of its facilities in hazardous locations over the next five years. For a discussion of future development trends for Madison County, please see the relevant discussion in their participant sections.

The recent construction of a casino has significantly impacted the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. This has brought opportunity to the area and has resulted in increased enrollment in the tribe. A new housing development, the Joey Nathan Northern Ponca Housing Authority, is planned in the next five years. A new business, Marshall Pritchard OSNI, is also planned in the next several years.

Structural Inventory and Valuation A structural inventory was completed for the corporate limits by data by Tribal First. Results from the structural inventory completed are found in the following table. Information displayed in this table includes name of the structure, reported value, value-added expansions and costs, and the total value.

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Table PCT.3: Structural Inventory/Parcel Improvements Reported Value Added Building Name Total Value Value Expansions/Costs Gym $2,134,213 $64,572 $3,396,563 Administrative Building $1,334,968 $39,857 $3,499,918 Ponca Express $1,851,463 Not Available $2,847,130 Maintenance Shop $130,979 Not Available $187,015 4 x 4-Plexes $777,924 Not Available $1,028,563 8-Plex $354,353 Not Available $611,398 Duplex $159,831 Not Available $275,487 Total $9,286,074 Source: 2014 Lower Elkhorn NRD HMP and Ponca Tribeiii

Critical Infrastructure/Key Resources Chemical Storage Fixed Sites According to the Tier II System reports submitted to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, there is one chemical storage site located near the Ponca Tribe facilities.

Table PCT.4: Chemical Storage Fixed Sites Facility Name Address In Floodplain (Y/N) Maintenance Shed 1800 Syracuse Ave N Source: Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy 2018iv

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Table PCT.5: Critical Facilities CF Generator Located in Name Address Number (Y/N) Floodplain (Y/N) 2543 Park Ave, Niobrara, NE 1 Agency N N 68760 1001 Ave H, Carter Lake, IA 2 Casino/Smoke Stack N N 51510 Fred Leroy Health and 2602 J St, Omaha, NE 3 N N Administration 68134 Headquarters / Transit 2523 Woodbine St, Niobrara, 4 N N Building / Health Module NE 68760 1701 E St, Lincoln, NE 5 Lincoln Office N N 68508 1501 Michigan Ave, Norfolk, 6 Northern Ponca Housing N N NE 68701 10635 Birth St, Omaha, NE 7 Northern Ponca Housing N N 68134 2756 O St, Lincoln, NE 8 Osni Ponca LLC N N 68510 5805, 5820, 5810, 5723, Ralston Building and 9 5639 S 86th Cir, Omaha, NE N N Parking Lots 68127 119 Sixth St, Sioux City, IA 10 Sioux City Office N N 51103 210 Harold St, Crofton, NE 11 Smoke Signals N N 68730 5701 S 85th Cir, Omaha, NE 12 Transit Building N N 68127

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Figure PCT.5: Critical Facilities

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Historical Occurrences See the Madison County community profile for historical hazard events.

Hazard Prioritization For an in-depth discussion regarding area wide hazards, please see Section Four: Risk Assessment. The hazards discussed in detail below were prioritized by the local planning team based on the identification of hazards of greatest concern, hazard history, and the jurisdiction’s capabilities.

Chemical Spills – Fixed Site This is a major concern to local hazard mitigation planners due to the frequency and potential for cross contamination. In 2019 there have been 18 chemical spills and have ranged from soil to air to water contamination. This could potentially impact tribal members. At present the local Fire Department is the response resource.

Chemical Spills – Transportation The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s administrative center is located near Highway 275, a major transportation corridor which regularly transports hazardous materials for agricultural and industrial use. There is also a rail line located approximately one-and-a-half miles east of the facility. Although there have not been any recent transportation chemical spills, the proximity to these transportation routes makes spills a daily possibility.

Dam Failure Dam failure potentially impacts the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska as tribal residents are located throughout Norfolk. This could potentially result in damage to homes and properties. The two dams with the potential to impact the tribe are both owned by the City of Norfolk. There is no tribe- specific evacuation plan. The tribe is an available resource for emergency shelter of displaced residents.

Flooding In March 2019 a serious flooding event resulted in the evacuation of 1/3 of the City of Norfolk caused by quick snow melt and rain over a frost line. This led to the concerns for both flash flooding and riverine flooding. There are duplex properties located in Norfolk that are particularly vulnerable to flooding impacts. All of this flooding comes form the Norfolk and Elkhorn Rivers. As a result, the Ponca Tribe was designated the 4th zone evacuated during the 2019 floods.

Grass/Wildfires Due to the percentages of young and elderly people, fires could impact the public health of the tribe by causing respiration issues in these vulnerable populations. The tribe is dependent on the City to provide fire suppression, alert, and notification.

Hail This is a concern to mitigation planners due to both the frequency of this weather and its severity. In 2015 and 2017 there were hail incidents in Norfolk, involving baseball-sized hail. This resulted in damage to the gym building and total roof loss. The tribe’s buildings are not considered hail- resistant and the facilities are all insured.

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Severe Winter Storms This hazard occurs annually and has impacted daily operations. In the past icicles broke off and put 24-inch hole in the roof of the gym. Staff are responsible for snow removal at tribal facilities. They utilize plows, blowers, shovels, and a utility tractor with blade. The tribe generally considers snow removal resources as sufficient.

Tornadoes The most recent event to impact the Ponca Tribe was the Pilger tornado of 2014. At present the municipal records are not backed up. The tribe does not have sirens, but the Norfolk facility is covered by the municipal sirens. The tribe does have FEMA certified community safe rooms.

Governance The Ponca Tribe is governed by a tribal council and executive committee. The county also has the following staff and departments:

• Pow Wow Committee • Court Administrator • Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Tribal Court • Tribal Affairs • Health Services • Human Resources • Social Services • Department of Education • Tribal Enrollment • Ponca Express • Office Coordinator • Education • Domestic Violence • Behavioral Health • Public Relations • Clinic • Community Health • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act- Indian Native American Program Purchased/Referred Care

Capability Assessment The capability assessment consisted of a survey completed by the jurisdiction and a review of local existing policies, regulations, plans, and the programs. This survey is used to gather information regarding the jurisdiction’s planning and regulatory capability; administrative and technical capability; fiscal capability; and educational and outreach capability.

Table PCT.6: Capability Assessment Survey Components/Subcomponents Yes/No Comprehensive Plan No Planning & Capital Improvements Plan Yes Regulatory Economic Development Plan Yes Capability Emergency Operational Plan Yes, currently being updated

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Survey Components/Subcomponents Yes/No Floodplain Management Plan No Storm Water Management Plan No Zoning Ordinance Yes Subdivision Regulation/Ordinance Yes Floodplain Ordinance No Building Codes Yes National Flood Insurance Program No Community Rating System No Other (if any) - Planning Commission No Floodplain Administration No GIS Capabilities Yes Administrative Chief Building Official Yes & Civil Engineering No Technical Local Staff Who Can Assess Tribe’s Vulnerability to Yes Capability Hazards Grant Manager Yes Mutual Aid Agreement Yes Other (if any) - Capital Improvement Plan/ 1 & 6 Year plan Yes Applied for grants in the past Yes Awarded a grant in the past Yes Authority to Levy Taxes for Specific Purposes such as Yes Mitigation Projects Fiscal Gas/Electric Service Fees No Capability Storm Water Service Fees No Water/Sewer Service Fees No Development Impact Fees No General Obligation Revenue or Special Tax Bonds No Other (if any) - Local citizen groups or non-profit organizations focused on environmental protection, emergency preparedness, access and functional needs Yes populations, etc. Ex. CERT Teams, Red Cross, etc. Education Ongoing public education or information program & (e.g., responsible water use, fire safety, household Yes Outreach preparedness, environmental education) Capability Natural Disaster or Safety related school programs No StormReady Certification No Firewise Communities Certification No Tree City USA No Other (if any) -

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Overall Capability Limited/Moderate/High Does the tribe have the financial resources needed to High implement mitigation projects? Does the tribe have the staff/expertise to implement projects? Limited Does the tribe have the support to implement projects? Moderate Does the tribal staff have the time to devote to hazard Moderate mitigation?

Plan Integration The Ponca Tribe has an Emergency Management Plan which is currently in the process of being updated. The planning team will include the principles of this plan into the Emergency Management Plan update.

No other examples of plan integration were identified. There are currently no plans to further integrate existing or future planning mechanisms.

Mitigation Strategy Completed Mitigation Actions

Action Install Vehicular Barriers Install vehicular barriers to protect critical facilities and key infrastructure where Analysis possible. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Status This action was listed in the previous mitigation plan and completed in 2013.

Action Promote First Aid Analysis Promote first aid training for all residents. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Status This action was completed in 2019.

Action Short Term Residency Shelters Design and construct short term shelters for rural residents after damage from an event. These structures would not serve as FEMA approved safe rooms. The building could also be used for things such as short term sheltering during a high heat event for those without A/C. The building is not intended to be used Analysis for long term recovery, such as long-term (more than a month) displacement from floods, fires, etc. The number of shelters needed depends on the size of the building(s), which will be determined during a future project scoping process. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Status Completed in 2019.

Lower Elkhorn NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2020 13 Section Seven: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Action Weather Radios Conduct an inventory of weather radios at schools and other critical facilities Analysis and provide new radios as needed. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Status This action was completed in 2013.

Ongoing and New Mitigation Actions

Action Acquire LiDAR Acquire LiDAR imagery for the entire jurisdiction to assist in floodplain mapping Analysis and structure designs. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding Estimated Cost Varies amount of area needed Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Emergency Manager, Facilities, NPHA Status Not Started, New Action

Action Backup Generator Provide a portable or stationary source of backup power to redundant power Analysis supplies, municipal wells, lift stations, and other critical facilities and shelters. Hazard(s) Addressed Tornados, High Winds, Severe Winter Storms, Severe Thunderstorms Estimated Cost $15,000-$30,000 per generator Potential Funding HMGP, LENRD, General Fund Timeline 1 Year Priority High Lead Agency Facilities In Progress. The tribe is currently identifying which facilities need a backup Status generator.

Action Backup Records Analysis Develop protocol for backup of critical records. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $1,000 - $40,000 Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Facilities, CEO, Emergency Manager, IT Status Not Started, New Action

Action Complete/Update Wildfire Protection Plan Complete and or update a Wildfire Protection Plan (WPP). The WPP enables Analysis the tribe to plan how it will reduce the risk of wildfire. Hazard(s) Addressed Grass/Wildfire Estimated Cost $20,000 Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Herds Manager, Emergency Manager Status Not Started, New Action

Lower Elkhorn NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2020 14 Section Seven: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Action Comprehensive City/Village Disaster / Emergency Response Plan Analysis Create or update Comprehensive Disaster and Emergency Response Plan. Hazard(s) Addressed Tornados, High Winds, Severe Winter Storms, Severe Thunderstorms Estimated Cost $6,000+ Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 1 Year Priority High Lead Agency Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Emergency Manager Status Not Started. The Ponca Tribe is working to establish this process locally.

Action Continuity Plan Analysis Develop continuity plans for critical tribal services. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $500-$1,000 Potential Funding Local Funds; Operating Budgets; Volunteer Time Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Low Lead Agency Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Planning Stage. The tribe is currently identifying who will write the continuity Status plan.

Action Coordinate with National Drought Mitigation Center Analysis Coordinate with National Drought Mitigation Center. Hazard(s) Addressed Drought Estimated Cost Staff Time Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Status Not Started

Create a City/Village Wide Master Plan to Prioritize all Flood Related Action Projects Identify potential flooding sources and flood-vulnerable areas. Explore Analysis solutions and prioritize. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding Estimated Cost $10,000+ Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Emergency Manager Status Not Started, New Action

Action Develop Flood Assistance Strategies Analysis Develop strategies to provide necessary services in the event of flooding. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding Estimated Cost Staff Time Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Emergency Manager Status Not Started, New Action

Lower Elkhorn NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2020 15 Section Seven: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Action Drainage Study / Stormwater Master Plan Preliminary drainage studies and assessments can be conducted to identify and prioritize design improvements to address site specific localized Analysis flooding/drainage issues to reduce and/or alleviate flooding. Stormwater master plans can be developed to help identify stormwater problem areas and potential drainage improvements. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding Estimated Cost $15,000+ Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Emergency Manager, Facilities Status Not Started, New Action

Action Emergency Communications Establish an action plan to improve communication between agencies to better Analysis assist residents and businesses during and following emergencies. Establish inner-operable communications. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $10,000+ Potential Funding Homeland Security, LENRD, Governing County & Local Governing Agency Timeline 2-5 Years Priority High Lead Agency Public Relations, Emergency Management Status Not Started

Action Emergency Exercise Utilize exercises to prepare for potential hazardous events. Ensure that nearby Analysis businesses and residents have appropriate plans in place. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $5,000+ Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 2-5 Years Priority High Lead Agency Emergency Manager Status Not Started, New Action

Action Emergency Fuel Supply Plan Plan to ensure adequate fuel supply is available during an emergency. Actions might include: prioritization and rationing plan for gasoline and diesel uses in Analysis extended loss of fuel supply or electric power supply; a plan to purchase local fuel supply, etc. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $1,000 plus staff time Potential Funding Indirect Cost Pool Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Low Lead Agency Facilities, Emergency Manager Status Not Started, New Action

Lower Elkhorn NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2020 16 Section Seven: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Action Facilities for Vulnerable Populations Ensure that facilities which will house vulnerable populations are placed in the Analysis least vulnerable areas of the community. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Potential Funding Indirect Cost Pool Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Low Lead Agency Facilities, Emergency Management Status Planning Stage. The tribe is currently assessing vulnerable areas.

Action Facility Floodproofing Explore the possibility of floodproofing for facilities which fall into the 1-percent Analysis flood inundation areas. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding Estimated Cost Varies by number of buildings needed Potential Funding Grants, Internal Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Facilities, Emergency Manager Status Not Started, New Action

Action Filtration Facility Upgrade Analysis Add a retention pond to the filtration facility. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding Estimated Cost Varies by size of pond needed Potential Funding Grants, Internal Fund Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Low Lead Agency Facilities, Emergency Manager Status Not Started, New Action

Action Floodplain Management Preserve natural and beneficial functions of floodplain and through measures Analysis such as: retaining natural vegetation, restoring streambeds, and preserving open space in the floodplain. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding Estimated Cost Staff Time Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency EPD, Emergency Management Status Not Started, New Action

Action Formal Evacuation Plan Develop an evacuation plan to be prepared for any disaster that would require Analysis evacuation. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost Staff Time Potential Funding HMGP, LENRD, Governing County & Local Governing Agency Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Transportation Planner Status Not Started

Lower Elkhorn NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2020 17 Section Seven: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Action Hail Resistant Roofing Encourage the use of hail resistant roofing for any new construction. Retrofit Analysis utilities on building rooftops to provide protection from hail events. Hazard(s) Addressed Hail, Severe Thunderstorms Estimated Cost $2.50 per square foot. Potential Funding Insurance, Internal Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Facilities Ongoing. The tribe has retrofitted some building rooftops but would like Status additional buildings done.

Action Improve and Revise Snow/Ice Removal Program As needed, continue to revise and improve the snow and ice removal program for streets. Revisions should address situations such as plowing snow, ice Analysis removal, parking during snow and ice removal, and removal of associated storm debris. This would include equipment that is needed and paving routes. Hazard(s) Addressed Severe Winter Storms Estimated Cost $20,000 + Potential Funding PDM, NEMA, LENRD, Governing County & Local Governing Agency Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Facilities, Transportation Status Not Started

Action Improve Building Codes Promote the use of higher codes and standards, such as the Fortified for Safer Living Standard, in order to provide greater protection for any new construction or building retrofits. Improve any existing building standards or establish new Analysis standards as deemed necessary to reduce potential of damage to new and existing structures, especially mobile home parks and other highly vulnerable populations such as nursing home facilities. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost Staff Time Potential Funding Internal Budget Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Low Lead Agency Facilities Status Not Started

Action Improve Subdivisions Design Improve any existing building standards or establish new standards as deemed Analysis necessary to reduce potential of damage to new and existing structures in subdivisions. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost Staff Time Potential Funding Internal Budget Timeline 5+ Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Facilities Status Ongoing. This will be dovetailed with creating SOPs to grow with buildings.

Lower Elkhorn NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2020 18 Section Seven: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Action Infrastructure Protection Develop flood control devices to protect critical infrastructure during flood events. Harden critical facilities to withstand high winds, hail, heavy snow, etc. Analysis by: hardening roofs, hail resistant barriers to HVAC systems, shatter-proofing windows, building tie-downs and anchors, and other architectural designs that reduce damage. Flooding, High Winds, Tornadoes, Severe Thunderstorms, Severe Winter Hazard(s) Addressed Storms Estimated Cost Varies by type and amount of infrastructure Potential Funding Grants, Internal Fund Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Facilities Status Not Started, New Action

Action Levee/Floodwall Construction and/or Improvements Levees and floodwalls serve to provide flood protection to businesses and residents during large storm events. Improvements to existing levees and Analysis floodwalls will increase flood protection. If possible, the structure should be designed to FEMA standards to provide 1-percent flood protection providing additional flood insurance benefits. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding, Dam Failure, Levee Failure Estimated Cost $100,000+ Potential Funding Grants, Internal Fund Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Casino Facilities, Emergency Manager Status Not Started, New Action

Action Mutual Aid Analysis Establish mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost Staff Time Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Emergency Manager Status Not Started, New Action

Action Obtain Missing Data for Future Updates Obtain necessary data to improve vulnerability assessments when updating Analysis the plan Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost Staff Time Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Ongoing. The tribe obtains missing data for each update of the hazard Status mitigation plan.

Lower Elkhorn NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2020 19 Section Seven: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Action Parcel Level Evaluation of Floodprone Properties Conduct a study examining parcels located in floodprone areas and identify Analysis mitigation measures that can reduce future impacts. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding Estimated Cost $25,000+ Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Facilities Status Not Started, New Action

Action Ponca Drought Action Provide a backup source of feed and water for the herd. Have temporary or Analysis alternate pasture land to provide these resources for the herd. Coordinate with National Drought Mitigation Center to develop drought plans and protocols. Hazard(s) Addressed Drought Estimated Cost Varies Potential Funding Grants, Internal Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Herds Manager, Emergency Manager Status Not Started

Action Power and Service Lines Work with local Public Power District or Electricity Department to identify vulnerable transmission and distribution lines and plan to bury lines underground or retrofit existing structures/infrastructure to be less vulnerable to storm events. Electrical utilities shall be required to use underground construction methods where possible for future installation of power lines. Activities could include: Replacing damaged/aging power poles lines and Analysis removing unused lines from poles; burying power lines; install pad mounted transformers; elevating transformers above floodplain; adding guy wire and support; removing large diameter communication lines; replacing damaged poles with higher class; using multiple poles or dead end structures to support; replacing porcelain cutout; ice-proof cutouts; and use dead head poles. Provide looped distribution service and other redundancies in the electrical system as a backup power supply in the event the primary system is destroyed or fails. Hazard(s) Addressed Tornados, High Winds, Severe Winter Storms, Severe Thunderstorms Estimated Cost $70,000/mile for burying, other costs vary Potential Funding HMGP, PDM, LENRD, Governing County & Local Governing Agency Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Facilities Status Not Started

Lower Elkhorn NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2020 20 Section Seven: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Action Public Awareness Educate the public and business owners regarding rain gardens, green roofs, and other minor mitigation measures. Develop an education program to inform residents of risks related to chemical releases. This could include direct outreach to residents living in the immediate vicinity of chemical storage sites. Ensure that all critical facilities, businesses, and residents located near major Analysis transportation corridors and near fixed site chemical facilities are aware of how to safely shelter in place in the event of a chemical incident. Improve and/or develop a program to conserve water use by the citizens during elongated periods of drought. Potential restrictions on water could include limitations on lawn watering, car washing, or water sold to outside sources. Work with DNR on farm irrigation restrictions. Implement a tornado safety program. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost Staff Time Potential Funding Internal Fund Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Low Lead Agency Tribal Response Status Not Started

Action Relocate Municipal Infrastructure Acquire Geographic Information System (GIS) to relocate municipal Analysis infrastructure (water and sewer lines). Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $1,500 per user plus staff time Potential Funding Internal Grants Timeline 2-5 Years Priority High Lead Agency CEO PTN Status Not Started, New Action

Action River/Stream Bank Stabilization Stabilize banks along streams and rivers. This may include, but is not limited Analysis to: reducing bank slope, addition of riprap, installation of erosion control materials/fabrics. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding Estimated Cost $10,000 +, Varies by scope Potential Funding Internal Funds Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Emergency Manager, Facilities, NPHA Status Not Started, New Action

Action Safe Room / Storm Shelter Design and construct storm shelters and safe rooms in highly vulnerable areas Analysis such as mobile home parks, campgrounds, school, and other areas. Hazard(s) Addressed Tornados, High Winds, Severe Thunderstorms Estimated Cost $200-$300/sf stand alone; $150-200/sf addition/retrofit Potential Funding Grants, Internal Fund Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Facilities, Emergency Manager Status Ongoing. A safe room was completed in 2013.

Lower Elkhorn NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2020 21 Section Seven: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Action Stormwater System and Drainage Improvements Larger communities generally utilize underground stormwater systems comprising of pipes and inlets to convey runoff. Undersized systems can contribute to localized flooding. Stormwater system improvements may include pipe upsizing and additional inlets. Retention and detention facilities may also be implemented to decrease runoff rates while also decreasing the need for Analysis other stormwater system improvements. Smaller communities may utilize stormwater systems comprising of ditches and culverts to convey runoff. Undersized systems can contribute to localized flooding. Drainage improvements may include ditch upsizing, ditch cleanout and culvert improvements. Establish a stormwater development committee to oversee improvements to the stormwater system and to respond to tribal concerns. Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding Estimated Cost $10,000-$50,000 for smaller communities, $100,000+ for larger Potential Funding HMGP, PDM, CDBG, LENRD, Governing County & Local Governing Agency Timeline 2-5 Years Priority High Lead Agency Facilities, Emergency Manager Status Not Started

Action Tree City USA – Tree Maintenance Programs Work to become a Tree City USA through the National Arbor Day Foundation in order to receive direction, technical assistance, and public education on how to establish a tree maintenance program in order to maintain trees in the tribe Analysis to limit potential damages when a storm event occurs. The four main requirements include: 1) Establish a tree board; 2) Enact a tree care ordinance; 3) Establish a forestry care program; 4) Enact an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Hazard(s) Addressed Severe Thunderstorms, Tornados, High Winds, Severe Winter Storms Estimated Cost $0-$1,000+ Potential Funding HMGP, PDM, CDBG, LENRD, Governing County & Local Governing Agency Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Environmental Department Status Not Started

Action Update Comprehensive Plan Update comprehensive plan. Integrate plan with Hazard Mitigation Plan Analysis components. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $10,000+ Potential Funding Internal Budget Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Emergency Manager Status Not Started, New Action

Lower Elkhorn NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2020 22 Section Seven: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Action Vulnerable Population Support Database Work with stakeholders to develop a database of vulnerable populations and Analysis the organizations which support them. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $500 Potential Funding Internal Grants Timeline 2-5 Years Priority Low Lead Agency Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Status Not Started

Action Warning Systems Improve city cable TV interrupt warning system and implement telephone Analysis interrupt system such as Reverse 911, emergency text messaging warning system, etc. Hazard(s) Addressed Tornados, High Winds, Severe Winter Storms, Severe Thunderstorms Estimated Cost $5,000+ Potential Funding HMGP, PDM, LENRD, Governing County & Local Governing Agency Timeline 2 to 5 Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Information Technology, Emergency Management Status Not Started

Removed Actions

Action Sheltering In Place Outreach Ensure that all critical facilities, businesses, and residents located near major Analysis transportation corridors and near fixed site chemical facilities are aware of how to safely shelter in place in the event of a chemical incident. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards This action was removed as it will be combined with other public awareness Status actions.

Action Water Conservation Awareness Program Improve and/or develop a program to conserve water use by the citizens during elongated periods of drought. Potential restrictions on water could include Analysis limitations on lawn watering, car washing, or water sold to outside sources. Work with DNR on farm irrigation restrictions. Hazard(s) Addressed Drought This action was removed as it will be combined with other public awareness Status actions.

i Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. “Service Delivery Area Counties and Office Locations.” [Map]. https://www.poncatribe-ne.org/departments/tribal-enrollment/service-delivery-area/. ii United States Census Bureau. “American Fact Finder: H15: Age and Sex Ponca Tribe of Nebraska alone.” [database file]. https://factfinder.census.gov/. iii Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources Department. “Lower Elkhorn NRD 2015 Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.” [Document]. https://www.lenrd.org. iv Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. “Search Tier II Data.” Accessed December 2018. https://deq-iis.ne.gov/tier2/search.faces.

Lower Elkhorn NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2020 23 SCHOOL PROFILE

MADISON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Lower Elkhorn NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

2020

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 1 Section Seven: Madison Public Schools Profile

Local Planning Team

Table MPS.1: Madison Public Schools Local Planning Team Name Title Jurisdiction Alan Ehlers Superintendent Madison Public Schools

Location and Services Madison Public Schools is located primarily in Madison County and operates four schools: pre- kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school. The school district provides services to students in southern Madison County and the City of Madison.

Figure MPS.1: District Boundary

Demographics The following figure displays the historical student population trend starting with the 2004-05 school year and ending with the 2018-2019 year. It indicates that the student population has declined since 2004. The student population has declined since 2014. There are currently 461 students enrolled in the Madison Public School System.i

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 2 Section Seven: Madison Public Schools Profile

Figure MPS.2: Student Population 2003-2017 600 559 569 562 549 527 508 500 518 480 478 495 487 500 475 464 461

400

300

200 School School Population

100

School Year

Source: Nebraska Department of Education

Figure MPS.3: Number of Students by Grade, 2017-2018 50 44 45 41 41 41 39 39 40 37 36 35 33 32 31 30 25 25 22

20 Grade Population 15

0 K G01 G02 G03 G04 G05 G06 G07 G08 G09 G10 G11 G12 Grade

Source: Nebraska Department of Education

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 3 Section Seven: Madison Public Schools Profile

The figure above indicates that the largest number of students are in the 10th, 7th, 9th, and 12th grades. The lowest population of students are in the 1st, 6th, and 2nd grades. According to the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), 70.88% of students receive either free or reduced priced meals at school. This is higher than the state average of 45.21%. Additionally, over 16% of students are in the Special Education Program. The percentage of English Language Learners is 16.49%. These particular groups of students may be more vulnerable during a hazardous event than the rest of the student population.

Table MPS.2: Student Statistics, 2018-2019 School District State of Nebraska Free/Reduced Priced Meals 70.88% 45.21% School Mobility Rate 16.38% 10.86% English Language Learners 16.49% 5.98% Special Education Students 16.27% 15.48% Source: Nebraska Department of Educationii

Future Development Trends Since the previous mitigation plan there have been three major construction projects, a greenhouse, gym, and middle school commons, noted by local mitigation planners. There are also fewer students than in the previous update and facilities are considered adequate for the time being. Strategic initiatives are focused on the recruitment and retention of additional students from the local area.

Critical Infrastructure/Key Resources Critical Facilities Critical facilities were identified during the original planning process and updated by the local planning team as a part of this plan update. The following table and figure provide a summary of the critical facilities for the district.

Table MPS.3: Critical Facilities Red Number Cross Safe Located in CF of Number Shelter Room Generator Floodplain # Name Address Students of Staff (Y/N) (Y/N) (Y/N) (Y/N) Madison 700 Kent St, 1 Junior/Senior Madison, NE 252 38 Y Y N N High School 68748 Madison 405 E 8th St, Elementary 2 Madison, NE 209 36 Y Y N N School/Pre- 68748 kindergarten

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 4 Section Seven: Madison Public Schools Profile

Figure MPS.4: Critical Facilities

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 5 Section Seven: Madison Public Schools Profile

Historical Occurrences See the Madison County community profile for historical hazard events.

Hazard Prioritization For an in-depth discussion regarding area wide hazards, please see Section Four: Risk Assessment. The following discussion provides specific information reported by the local planning team. Only hazards either identified as a concern to the school district by the local planning team or based on the occurrence and risk of the hazard to the school district are discussed in detail below.

Severe Thunderstorms NCEI data since 1996 shows that the City of Madison has experienced 12 severe thunderstorm wind events. Several of the storms caused power outages across the community and also closed roads from downed trees. No specific damage from severe thunderstorms was reported for the school district structures.

Severe Winter Storms Severe winter storms can affect the school district in several different ways. The first would be school closures due to snow or extremely cold temperatures. The second would be dangerous road conditions for both faculty and students getting to and from school. Third would be potential damage and loss of power to school buildings from high winds and heavy snow. Severe winter storms are an annual occurrence for the area and the district is likely to be affected multiple times a year.

Tornadoes NCEI data shows that the City of Madison has experienced six tornado events since 1996. There was no damage to the schools reported for these events. If a large tornado were to hit one or both of the schools directly, the school district could sustain large amounts of damage. Tornadoes can also cause long school closures during the clean-up process. It may also affect the number of students enrolled in the district, if families move from the area. The school district conducts tornado drills two times a year.

Administration/Capability Assessment The school district has a superintendent and four principals. The school board is made up of a six-member panel. Additional offices which may assist in mitigation projects are listed below.

• Facilities • Business Manager • Technology • Transportation • Special Education Director • Activities Director

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Overall Capability Limited/Moderate/High Does your district have the financial resources needed to Moderate implement mitigation projects? Does your district have the staff/expertise to implement High projects? Does your district have the community support to implement High projects? Does your district staff have the time to devote to hazard Limited mitigation?

School Drills and Staff Training The school district conducts the following drills with their staff and students:

• Fire – Nine to ten times a year • Tornado – Two times a year • Intruder – One time a year • Bus evacuation – Two times a year • Evacuation – One time a year

The school district conducts regular in-service trainings about emergency procedures for staff and provides educational materials to students and families including: student handbooks, website updates, and newsletters. The district conducts all drills in collaboration with local police and county. There are also quarterly safety meetings and an annual insurance visit to each school.

Plan Integration No examples of plan integration were identified by the school district. There are currently no plans to further integrate existing or future planning mechanisms.

Mitigation Strategy New Mitigation Actions

Action Backup Generator Provide a portable or stationary source of backup power to any school district Analysis owned building. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $15,000+ Potential Funding School District Budget Timeline 5+ Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Superintendent Status New Action, Not Started

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 7 Section Seven: Madison Public Schools Profile

Action Public Awareness Through activities such as outreach projects, distribution of maps and Analysis environmental education increase awareness of natural hazards to both students and their families. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $0-$5,000+ Potential Funding School District Budget Timeline 5+ Years Priority High Lead Agency Superintendent New Action, Ongoing. The district provides educational materials to students Status and families and would like to continue this into the future.

Action Safe Room / Storm Shelter Design and construct storm shelters and safe rooms for the school district and Analysis the community to use. Hazard(s) Addressed Tornadoes, High Winds, Severe Thunderstorms Estimated Cost $200-$300/sf stand alone; $150-200/sf addition/retrofit Potential Funding School District Budget Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Superintendent Status New Action, Not Started

i Nebraska Department of Education. October 2019. “Data Downloads” http://nep.education.ne.gov/Links. ii Nebraska Education Profile. “School Report Card.” Accessed October 2019. http://nep.education.ne.gov/Home/.

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 8 SCHOOL PROFILE

RANDOLPH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Lower Elkhorn NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

2020

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 1 Section Seven: Seward Public Schools Profile

Local Planning Team

Table RPS.1: Seward Public Schools Local Planning Team Name Title Jurisdiction Jeff Hoesing Superintendent Randolph Public Schools

Location and Services Randolph Public Schools is located primarily in Cedar County and operates two schools, an elementary and high school. The school district provides services to students from the communities and surrounding rural areas of McLean, Randolph, Belden, and Sholes.

Figure RPS.1: District Boundary

Demographics The following figure displays the historical student population trend starting with the 2004-05 school year and ending with the 2018-2019 year. It indicates that the student population has declined since 2004. The student population has been remained stable since 2014. There are currently 232 students enrolled in the Randolph Public School System.i

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 2 Section Seven: Seward Public Schools Profile

Figure RPS.2: Student Population 2004-2019 450 397 374 400 341 325 350 302 300 284 274 263 256 233 236 241 232 250 234 222

200

School School Population 150

100

School Year

Source: Nebraska Department of Education

Figure RPS.3: Number of Students by Grade, 2018-2019 30

25 25 23

20 20 20 19 17 17 17 17 16 15 15 14 12

Grade Population 10

0 K G01 G02 G03 G04 G05 G06 G07 G08 G09 G10 G11 G12 Grade

Source: Nebraska Department of Education

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 3 Section Seven: Seward Public Schools Profile

The figure above indicates that the largest number of students are in the 3rd, 2nd, 10th, and 4th grades. The lowest population of students are in 1st, 9th, and 8th grades. According to the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), 36.11% of students receive either free or reduced priced meals at school. This is lower the state average of 45.21%. Additionally, more than 11% of students are in the Special Education Program. The percentage of English Language Learners is not known as the Department of Education masks data for groups with less than ten individuals. These particular students may be more vulnerable during a hazardous event than the rest of the student population.

Table RPS.2: Student Statistics, 2018-2019 School District State of Nebraska Free/Reduced Priced Meals 36.11% 45.21% School Mobility Rate 6.31%* 10.86%* English Language Learners Not Available** 5.98% Special Education Students 11.64% 15.48% Source: Nebraska Department of Educationii *2017-2018 Data, 2018-2019 data has not been released **Data is not available for groups of less than ten individuals

Future Development Trends There have been no changes to the school district or the buildings in the last five years. The student population has remained fairly static since 2013. Because of this, no additional facilities are planned over the next five years.

Table RPS.3: Critical Facilities Red Number Cross Safe Located in CF of Number Shelter Room Generator Floodplain # Name Address Students of Staff (Y/N) (Y/N) (Y/N) (Y/N) 207 N Pierce Elementary 1 Street, 132 15 N N N N School Randolph, NE 207 N Pierce 2 High School Street, 100 22 N N N N Randolph, NE

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 4 Section Seven: Seward Public Schools Profile

Figure RPS.4: Critical Facilities

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 5 Section Seven: Seward Public Schools Profile

Historical Occurrences The following table provides a statistical summary for hazards that have occurred in the community or Cedar County. The property damages from the NCEI Storm Events Database (1996–2018) should be considered only as broad estimates. Sources include but are not limited to: emergency management; local law enforcement; Skywarn spotters; NWS damage surveys; newspaper clipping services; insurance industry; and the general public. Crop damages are from the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) between 2000 and 2017.

Table RDH.5: Severe Weather Events Property Hazard Type Count Crop Damage2 Damage Animal Disease10 12* 50 Animals* N/A Agricultural Disease Plant Disease2 15* N/A $118,443* Chemical Spills – Fixed Site4 1 $0 N/A Chemical Spills – Transportation6 0 $0 N/A Dam Failure5 0 $0 N/A 364/1,487 Drought8 $0 $74,879,731* months* Earthquake7 0 $0 $2,595*

Extreme Heat9 3 days/year* N/A $13,553,516*

Flash Flood 1 $0 Flooding1 $452,964* Flood 0 $0 3 Grass/Wildfires 74 389.27 acres $9,650 1 Injury Hail1 34 $0 $7,911,064* High Winds1 18* $25,000* $1,337,135* Levee Failure11 0 N/A N/A Thunderstorm Wind 13 $70,000 N/A Severe Thunderstorms1 Heavy Rain 1 $0 $2,317,419* Lightning 1 $30,000 N/A Blizzard 13* $0* Extreme Cold/Wind Chill 9* $0* Heavy Snow 10* $0* Severe Winter Storms1 $467,172* Ice Storm 1* $0* Winter Storm 42* $0* Winter Weather 7* $0* Terrorism/Civil Disorder12 0 $0 N/A Tornadoes1 4 $340,000 $693,178* Total 256 $465,000 $101,742,867 * Indicates county or regional data N/A: Data not available 1 NCEI (January 1996-2018) 2 USDA RMA (2000-2017) 3 NFS (2000-2017) 4 U.S. Coast Guard NRC (1990-2018) 5 Stanford NPDP (1911-2016) 6 PHMSA (1980-2017) 7 USGS (1872-2017)

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8 NCDC (1895-2018) 9 High Plains Regional Climate Center (HPCC) (1897-2018) 10 NDA (2014-2017) 11 United States Army Corps of Engineers (2010) 12 Global Terrorism Database (1970-2017) in. = inches; EG = Estimated Gust

Chemical Spills – Transportation The primary concern regarding transportation chemical spills is the location of the high school to Highway 20. The high school is located immediately adjacent to the highway which has bulk chemicals regularly transported along it. There have been no historic records of chemical spills in the city but if a large spill were to occur near the high school, an evacuation of the building may be needed. Transportation chemical spills may also impact transportation to and from both schools if roads are closed.

Flooding Both of the school buildings are located outside of the 100-year floodplain; however both are close enough to the floodplain that a large flood event may impact the schools. The local planning team indicated that there have not been any previous damages to school buildings from historical flood events. Flooding may also impact transportation to and from school because of road closures. School start times or closures may need to be implemented in the event of major road closures.

Severe Thunderstorms NCEI data shows that the City of Randolph has experienced five severe thunderstorm events since 1996. On July 1st, 1997 a thunderstorm wind event with 65 mph wind gusts damaged the roof of the high school building. Along with damage to buildings, severe thunderstorms can also cause power loss due to downed power poles, power lines, and tree limbs.

Tornadoes NCEI data since 1996 shows that the City of Randolph has not experienced a tornado event. However, that does not mean that there is zero risk to the school district. During that time period there have been 16 tornadoes which have impacted Cedar County, including an EF4 tornado in the Village of Coleridge. If a tornado of that size hit the City of Randolph the school district could sustain large amounts of damage. Tornadoes can also cause long school closures during the clean-up process. It may also affect the number of students enrolled in the district, if families move from the area.

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Administration/Capability Assessment The school district has a superintendent and two principals. The school board is made up of a six-member panel. Additional offices which may assist in mitigation projects are listed below.

• Facilities • Business Manager • Technology • Transportation • Special Education Director • Activities Director

Overall Capability Limited/Moderate/High Does your district have the financial resources needed to Limited implement mitigation projects? Does your district have the staff/expertise to implement Moderate projects? Does your district have the community support to implement Moderate projects? Does your district staff have the time to devote to hazard Limited mitigation?

School Drills and Staff Training The school district conducts the following drills with their staff and students:

• Fire – multiple times a year • Tornado – multiple times a year

Plan Integration No examples of plan integration were identified by the school district. There are currently no plans to further integrate existing or future planning mechanisms.

Mitigation Strategy New Mitigation Actions

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STANTON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Lower Elkhorn NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

2020

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Local Planning Team

Table SCS.1: Seward Public Schools Local Planning Team Name Title Jurisdiction Michael Sieh Superintendent Stanton Community Schools

Location and Services Stanton Community Schools is located primarily in Stanton County and operates two schools, an elementary, and middle/high school. The school district provides services to students from the City of Stanton and the surrounding rural area.

Figure SCS.1: District Boundary

Demographics The following figure displays the historical student population trend starting with the 2004-05 school year and ending with the 2018-2019 year. It indicates that the student population has declined since 2004. The student population has declined since 2014. There are currently 378 students enrolled in the Stanton Community School System.i

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Figure SCS.2: Student Population 2004-2019 500 468 466 465 431 438 449 448 456 455 448 446 437 450 401 412 400 378

350

300

250

200

School School Population 150

100

School Year

Source: Nebraska Department of Education

Figure SCS.3: Number of Students by Grade, 2017-2018 40 36 35 34 34 35 33 31 31 30 30 29 26 24 25 23 22

15 Grade Population

0 K G01 G02 G03 G04 G05 G06 G07 G08 G09 G10 G11 G12 Grade

Source: Nebraska Department of Education

The figure above indicates that the largest number of students are in the 11th, 12th, 7th, and 6th grades. The lowest population of students are in the kindergarten, 3rd, and 1st grades. According

Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2019 3 Section Seven: Seward Public Schools Profile to the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), 39.28% of students receive either free or reduced priced meals at school. This is lower than the state average of 45.21%. Additionally, over 15% of students are in the Special Education Program. The percentage of English Language Learners is not known as the Department of Education masks data for groups with less than ten individuals. These particular students may be more vulnerable during a hazardous event than the rest of the student population.

Table SCS.2: Student Statistics, 2018-2019 School District State of Nebraska Free/Reduced Priced Meals 39.28% 45.21% School Mobility Rate 8.50%* 10.86%* English Language Learners Unavailable** 5.98% Special Education Students 15.87% 15.48% Source: Nebraska Department of Educationii *2017-2018 Data, 2018-2019 data has not been released **Data is not released if under ten students

Future Development Trends Over the last five years, there has been no changes within the school district. In the most recent election, a new elementary school bond was passed. It is not yet known how long construction will take.

Table SCS.3: Critical Facilities Red Number Cross Safe Located in CF of Number Shelter Room Generator Floodplain # Name Address Students of Staff (Y/N) (Y/N) (Y/N) (Y/N) Stanton 506 Fir St, 1 Elementary Stanton, NE 217 Y N N N School 68778 1007 37 Stanton Kingwood St, 2 High/Middle 195 Y N N N Stanton, NE School 68778

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Figure SCS.4: Critical Facilities

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Historical Occurrences See the Stanton County community profile for historical hazard events.

Drought This is a concern to Stanton Schools due to the agricultural economy of the area. Drought impacts crop outputs which affects the local economy. Drought also lowers the water table, impacted drinking water availability. This was seen locally when drought conditions led to lower crop yields.

Hail Hail is an annual occurrence that is a persistent threat to the school district. Hail impacts humans, crops, livestock, and buildings. NCEI data shows that the City of Stanton has experienced 62 hail events since 1996. The school uses high-quality materials to prevent hail damage, including roof rock to minimize hail damage. All school facilities are covered by district insurance.

High Winds High winds are associated with livestock and crop issues and fire. This is an annual concern that sweeps through the area and causes drought conditions, increases fire potential, and can flatten entire corn fields. Most of the school district data is stored off-site on the cloud. The press box at the football field has impacted by past high winds. The schools are designated as a community shelter but is not FEMA certified.

Severe Thunderstorms Severe thunderstorms are an annual occurrence with the ability to severely impact the school district. Specific concerns include lightning strikes, high winds, hail, and flooding. The school system uses surge protectors on electronic devices, but this is not a total guarantee for protection from lightning strikes. Most of the school’s data is stored offsite through cloud storage. The school does not have backup generators.

Tornadoes In June 2014 a tornado touched down around the Stanton area causing major issues. The school district is considered a vulnerable population due to the large population of children concentrated in a relatively small area. There is a basement for shelter at the elementary school, but it requires students to go outside to enter, which could be potentially dangerous. The County provides warning sirens and the school uses its intercom to alert students and staff.

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• Facilities • Business Manager • Technology • Transportation • Special Education Director • Activities Director

School Drills and Staff Training The school district conducts the following drills with their staff and students:

• Fire – multiple times a year • Tornado – multiple times a year

Plan Integration There are currently no plans within the school district to further integrate existing or future planning mechanisms.

Mitigation Strategy Ongoing Mitigation Actions

Action Backup Generator Provide a portable or stationary source of backup power to redundant power Analysis supplies, municipal wells, lift stations, and other critical facilities and shelters. Hazard(s) Addressed Tornadoes, High Winds, Severe Winter Storms, Severe Thunderstorms Estimated Cost $15,000-$30,000 per generator Potential Funding School District Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Central Office Status Not Started

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Action Emergency Communications Establish an action plan to improve communication with first response Analysis agencies. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $10,000+ Potential Funding School District Funds Timeline 2-5 Years Priority High Lead Agency School District Planning Stage. The school is identifying which agencies they will need to work Status with.

Action Install Vehicular Barriers Analysis Install vehicular barriers to protect the schools and key infrastructure. Hazard(s) Addressed Transportation Incidents, Terrorism, Civil Disorder Estimated Cost $2,000+ Potential Funding School District Funds Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Central Office and Building, Grounds and Transportation Committee Not Started. The district wants this action incorporated into the future Status elementary school and the south doors of the current high school.

Action Obtain Missing Data for Future Updates Obtain necessary data to improve vulnerability assessments when updating Analysis the plan. Information may include hazardous events that occur between plan updates, development in hazardous areas between plan updates, etc. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost Staff Time Potential Funding School District Funds Timeline 5+ Years Priority Low Lead Agency Central Office Staff Status Not Started

Action Public Awareness Through activities such as outreach projects, distribution of maps and Analysis environmental education increase public awareness of natural hazards. Hazard(s) Addressed All Hazards Estimated Cost $0-$5,000+ Potential Funding School District Funds Timeline 5+ Years Priority High Lead Agency Safety Committee Ongoing. The school has education materials which are sent to students and Status families. The district would like to continue this action going into the future.

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Action Safe Room / Storm Shelter Design and construct storm shelters and safe rooms in one of the school Analysis buildings. Hazard(s) Addressed Tornadoes, High Winds, Severe Thunderstorms Estimated Cost $200-$300/sf stand alone; $150-200/sf addition/retrofit Potential Funding School Bond Timeline 5+ Years Priority Medium Lead Agency Central Office and Building, Grounds and Transportation Committee Planning Stage. A bond was approved during the most recent election to build Status a new elementary school and a safe room could be incorporated into it.

i Nebraska Department of Education. August 2018. “Data Downloads” http://nep.education.ne.gov/Links ii Nebraska Education Profile. “School Report Card.” Accessed October 2019. http://nep.education.ne.gov/Home/.

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