7 Nov 2024

Collaboration and creative thinking lead to $1 million savings on ecosystem restoration project

The past few years have seen significant increases in the cost of many things like labor, materials and supplies. Construction projects have not been immune to these rising costs. So, when federally funded construction projects can save taxpayer money, it’s worth celebrating. The government is a steward of taxpayer dollars and as such, has the responsibility to spend those dollars in the most cost-effective way. Sometimes this requires thinking outside the box.

16 May 2023

More than meets the eye: Harlan County Lake completes projects to protect cultural sites

At first glance, the new rock, also called riprap, that has been placed along the banks of Harlan County Lake, Nebraska, might not look like much. However, this seemingly insignificant riprap plays a critical role not only in the mitigation of further shoreline erosion, but also in the protection and preservation of two cultural sites at the lake. Over 11,000 feet of riprap was placed along the shoreline of Harlan County Lake earlier this year. After the 2019 flood, areas of the lake’s shoreline had eroded 50 to 100 feet, with some areas having eroded as much as 400 feet since 1985. Even without experiencing flood conditions, the lake’s shoreline is susceptible to erosion.