Fremont, NE
The City of Fremont, Nebraska, located northwest of Omaha in Dodge County, suffers frequent flooding. The community is susceptible to flash flooding, riverine flooding, and ice jam flooding as well as localized flooding from insufficient stormwater infrastructure. Numerous areas in the city have been designated by FEMA as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).
In 2019 a devastating flood destroyed homes, businesses, and infrastructure in Fremont. Neighborhoods that are predominantly home to lower-income families and Hispanic people, such as the Regency Mobile Home Park, were some of the hardest-hit areas. This neighborhood is identified as disadvantaged according to the Climate and Economic Justice Screening tool (CJEST).
With approval from the City of Fremont, FloodWise Community Assistance facilitated meetings and contracted with JEO Consulting Group, Inc. to work with local leadership and residents to define a project scope and goals for a flood mitigation plan for the city. One-on-one meetings were held with the city’s Planning and Development Department, Public School Department, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, multiple city councilmen, the city administrator, and the mayor to collect initial input.
A city park adjacent to the middle school became the focal point of the project. Incorporating stakeholders’ ideas, the engineering firm developed a park concept plan that enhanced neighboring land uses and improved flood resiliency for the community. The Johnson Park concept plan added flood storage and wetlands, expanded the park trail network, added five sports fields, created educational landscape ecologies, and included other park amenities. The city accepted the contractor’s plan in 2023 and is moving forward with implementation.
FloodWise continues to coordinate with the City of Fremont, Dodge County, United Way, and industry partners to assist with implementing the Johnson Park project, and to identify ways to reduce flood risk to residents in the Regency Mobile Home Park in particular.
Snapshot
- 2023 FloodWise community
- Population (2022): 27,373
- Major waterway: Platte River
- Flood type: Flash, Riverine, Ice Jam, and Stormwater flooding