The Lower Platte North NRD’s Rock and Jetty Program provides cost-share assistance to landowners for constructing erosion control devices for streambank stabilization. The program also provides funds to assist Dike and Drainage Districts with maintenance of dikes on the Platte River.
Eligible Areas
Eligible areas for the Rock & Jetty Program include the Platte River from south of Columbus to Ashland, the west bank of the Elkhorn River in Dodge County, and all perennial streams within Lower Platte North NRD boundaries.
Cost-Share Rate
Cost-share funds may be available for up to 50% of the total cost for rock and jetty work. They may be used for rock, hauling, installation, trees, biotechnical methods, and any material permitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under Section 404.
On the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers, the maximum cost-share for landowners is $1,000 per year or $2,000 every other year. Dike and Drainage Districts may receive a maximum of $4,000 per year. On perennial streams, the maximum cost-share for landowners is $1,000 per year.
Priority Areas
The number of landowners who qualify for assistance each year is dependent on the district’s budget. Projects are considered on a case-by-case basis, and funds may be targeted to high priority areas. Areas are prioritized as follows:
- Public Facilities
- Permanent Residences
- Crop Ground
- Pasture Ground
- Timber and Wildlife Areas
- Recreation and Cabin Areas
Riparian Zones
Applicants who do not have a natural riparian zone extending at least 50′ from the streambank must develop such a zone to qualify for cost-share assistance. Riparian zones are vegetated areas adjacent to streams and rivers that help anchor the soil and filter out pollutants. Funds from the Rock & Jetty Program may be used for the purpose of establishing a riparian zone.
To develop a riparian area, landowners may plant native grasses, a mixture of grass, trees, and shrubs suited to the soil type of the area. NRD staff can assist landowners with a planting plan.
Ineligible Sites
Ineligible sites for assistance through the Rock & Jetty Program include:
- All islands in the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers
- Any creeks or streams not classified as perennial
- Lakes and ponds
- Privately-owned levees, unless the project has considerable public benefit (i.e. roads, bridges) and is sponsored by the county.