Peru, NE – Recovery continues throughout the area impacted by the 2019 floods as projects are completed, and others show significant progress.

“FEMA recently provided the final approval for the waterline connection between Peru and Auburn,” said David Pease, Mayor of Peru. “We were waiting for this approval before opening the project for contractor bids, but I am pleased to announce bids will be collected in City Hall on September 13 and the contracts awarded during the September council meeting.”

JEO Consulting is leading the project, and working with the Peru City Council, they have acquired needed easements along the water line route and pre-procured the pipe.

“With the rise in construction costs and challenges with the supply chain, we took steps to pre-order the pipe for the water line,” said Zach Schulz, lead engineer. “The pipe is currently in Lincoln and will be housed by the contractor when the bid has been awarded. City Council took this important step to save time and money.”

The Northeast Nemaha County Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) continues to support and seek funds for infrastructure projects.

“FEMA is the largest funder for the water line project, but the State Revolving Fund and the Water Sustainability Fund are also assisting with financing,” said Deborah Solie, LTRG Disaster Recovery Coordinator. “We continue to seek additional funds to help with all infrastructure projects, including Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery funds available through the state.”

The LTRG continues to receive positive updates on several infrastructure projects that are key to recovery for the region, including:

• Lagoons – Repairs have been completed.

• Steamboat Trace Trail – The NRD has reopened the trail to visitors, and a dedicated group of community members is working to improve the Peru trailhead.

• Street repairs – Design is completed for the 5th Street project, and we are working through an easement process; the project is expected to kick off in the summer of 2023.

• New grocery store in Peru – The LTRG and the City of Peru worked together to secure funding to bring a new grocery store to Peru. The Market will be opening soon and providing the area with access to healthy, fresh food.

• Sid Brown Park renovation – The City of Peru is seeking funding for a new playground. The community is invited to an enjoyable evening on September 27 to view proposed plans and provide input by voting on their favorite equipment.

• Bark Park - Nemaha County Leadership Class 7 continues raising funds for a dog park installation in the ballfield north of the field house.

• Levee repair – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is moving forward with the repair of the breach, although the timing is still uncertain. Congressman Adrian Smith has recently reached out on behalf of Peru to prompt the Corps into action.

• Housing - Peru is partnering with the Southeast Nebraska Development District to rehabilitate homes and attract single families to Peru.

“We want to celebrate the movement on these flood-related projects,” said Deborah Solie, Disaster Recovery Coordinator. “But, also remember the Peru community and surrounding areas suffered an estimated $7.91 million in economic loss, including $4.2 million in agricultural revenue losses due to levee damage. The LTRG’s goal is to emerge from recovery as a community stronger than before the floods. We have begun focusing on disaster preparedness as part of that recovery.”

The LTRG, the City of Peru, and leaders throughout the area continue to work together as recovery continues for the region.