Lancaster County is leveraging lessons from past disasters to better prepare for future emergencies. Previously, Lancaster County Engineer Pam Dingman and the county commissioners disagreed on updating the fleet of heavy equipment. This changed after the catastrophic flooding in spring 2019, which severely damaged 75% of the county’s gravel roads. Many of the county's 23 old dump trucks failed, breaking down under the stress of road repairs. Lancaster County has since prioritized modernizing its dump truck fleet.
To address this need, the county now purchases new dump trucks with plans to replace them every 10 years, down from the previous 20-year cycle. This strategy aims to ensure the fleet remains operational during emergencies. The 2019 flooding, which inflicted an estimated $3.4 billion in damage statewide, underscored the necessity of this change. The flooding caused 41 levee breaches, numerous community evacuations, and endangered critical infrastructure, including Lincoln’s water supply. In Lancaster County specifically, 825 miles of gravel roads washed away, 42 bridges closed, and numerous pipes were compromised. Without functional trucks to transport gravel for road stabilization, recovery would have been impossible.
To prevent a repeat scenario, the county commissioners recently approved the procurement of three dump trucks costing over $250,000 each. An amended purchase order also accounts for price increases on four additional trucks expected in late 2025, delayed by slow manufacturing. Since 2019, Lancaster County has systematically ordered two to four new trucks annually. The modern trucks offer significant advantages, including better control over material release, liquid spreading capabilities, and efficient conveyor systems, reducing material wastage. A similar modernization initiative is underway for motor graders, although the pandemic caused delays, such as a COVID outbreak aboard a ship transporting equipment from Brazil.
The 2019 flooding, driven by extreme weather conditions like heavy snow, freezing soils, followed by a rapid warm-up and a bomb cyclone, was an unusual event. However, climate change predicts more frequent severe storms. Dingman, who also navigated the 2015 floods, acknowledges the challenge in determining adequate emergency funds. Unpredictable weather patterns necessitate more adaptable planning. Additionally, Lancaster County secured a $320,000 federal grant under the bipartisan infrastructure bill through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. This funding will enable continued safety planning and enhancement, addressing issues such as speeding, lack of seatbelt use, and drunk driving identified by an earlier grant.
Potential safety improvements include better signage, driver education, roundabouts, and rumble strips. This year’s National Preparedness Month emphasizes readiness for weather emergencies, particularly focusing on the immigrant and refugee communities new to Lincoln. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Emergency Management office collaborates with local schools for emergency planning, holds storm spotter training, and works to improve early warning systems, ensuring the safety of new residents unaccustomed to Nebraska’s weather volatility.
