The south parking lot at Haymarket Park was flooded after heavy rains from a May 6, 2015 storm that moved through Lincoln and caused flooding along the Salt Creek basin. (File photo courtesy of the City of Lincoln)LINCOLN–(KFOR/News Release Oct. 24)–The importance of preventing major flooding in Lincoln is being highlighted by city officials less than two weeks before the November 5 general election. On the ballot is a $14-million, 20-year stormwater bond issue proposal, which would lead to more than 20 stormwater improvement projects across Lincoln. “Over the years, our community has faced its share of heavy rains and flooding events,” Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said Thursday morning. “Through careful planning and ongoing investment, we’ve been able to reduce the impact of these events, safeguarding people and property. If approved by voters, the proposed $14-million bond would fund over 20 stormwater infrastructure improvement projects across the city. These stormwater improvement projects would address flood risks, stabilize streams, improve water quality, and support the preservation of healthy aquatic environments in parks citywide. The bond is projected to cost a median Lincoln homeowner approximately $9.65 annually, or 80 cents per month, starting in fiscal year 2025-26. Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director Liz Elliott said each stormwater project would contribute to reducing flooding impacts across the city through watershed and urban storm drainage efforts, stream stabilization, parks drainage projects and water quality improvement through additional street sweeping to remove pollutants. The proposed improvements include: Urban drainage projects at the railroad underpass at 48th Street and Cornhusker Highway, and 10th Street and Park Avenue area Stream stabilization projects on the Southeast Upper Salt Creek near 27th Street, and Middle Creek near SW. 40th Street Parks drainage projects on Beal Slough at the Pine Lake Trail underpass rehabilitation, and on the Mahoney Park channel stabilization Continued work on the Deadman’s Run flood reduction project Street drainage emergency funds Citywide inlet top repairs Street sweepers Urban drainage studies Elliott said that the City of Lincoln has declared 10 major flooding disasters that have affected the community dating back to 1950, the most recent floods occurring in 2019 and 2015. Since 1977, Lincoln residents have approved all 15 stormwater bonds offered to the community. The Stormwater Bond Education Virtual Public Meeting is from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 30. Visit lincoln.ne.gov and select the banner at the top of the website to be directed to the virtual meeting link. Learn more about proposed stormwater improvement bond projects at lincoln.ne.gov/2024stormwaterbond.