Big Lake

[Athomsfere]

I can't really see this happening either.

I also don't want it to, really. Nebraska lake water is generally nasty. Maybe that's because they are damned?

And the thought of conservation by destroying the actual native eco system?

IDK, someone explain how I'm missing the point here?

Dammed lakes tend to be much 'grosser'. Sand pit lakes like this one are somewhat naturally filtered as they are filled with groundwater that passes through many layers and types of dirt/sand/gravel/what have you before reaching the lake.

But won't it still be coming from the Platte, another silt laden body of water?

[Louie]

I can't really see this happening either.

I also don't want it to, really. Nebraska lake water is generally nasty. Maybe that's because they are damned?

And the thought of conservation by destroying the actual native eco system?

IDK, someone explain how I'm missing the point here?

Dammed lakes tend to be much 'grosser'. Sand pit lakes like this one are somewhat naturally filtered as they are filled with groundwater that passes through many layers and types of dirt/sand/gravel/what have you before reaching the lake.

But won't it still be coming from the Platte, another silt laden body of water?

Surprisingly, not that much. Most of the water will be straightup groundwater when they dig below the water table itself. Though there is a connection to the Platte (and this can be seen with water levels throughout the summer), its not the same feeder.

[Athomsfere]

I can't really see this happening either.

I also don't want it to, really. Nebraska lake water is generally nasty. Maybe that's because they are damned?

And the thought of conservation by destroying the actual native eco system?

IDK, someone explain how I'm missing the point here?

Dammed lakes tend to be much 'grosser'. Sand pit lakes like this one are somewhat naturally filtered as they are filled with groundwater that passes through many layers and types of dirt/sand/gravel/what have you before reaching the lake.

But won't it still be coming from the Platte, another silt laden body of water?

Surprisingly, not that much. Most of the water will be straightup groundwater when they dig below the water table itself. Though there is a connection to the Platte (and this can be seen with water levels throughout the summer), its not the same feeder.

OK, if we can get a lake clean enough for me swim in... Having grown up in central texas where the lakes and rivers are aquifer fed... I'd be happy.

Lets just make most of the lake park land, not private housing.

[Garrett]

I can't really see this happening either.

I also don't want it to, really. Nebraska lake water is generally nasty. Maybe that's because they are damned?

And the thought of conservation by destroying the actual native eco system?

IDK, someone explain how I'm missing the point here?

Very little native ecosystem will be destroyed since the area is already farmland anyway. If anything, this will restore some

[ita]

OK, if we can get a lake clean enough for me swim in... Having grown up in central texas where the lakes and rivers are aquifer fed... I'd be happy.

Lets just make most of the lake park land, not private housing.

Agreed on both points. I am sure they have this rendering to emphasize the potential economic impact, but there needs to be a large portion of the lake that is open to the public. I know this is dreaming, but Morfeld's HSR would actually go over this lake (if it is where we think it is). There could be a stop near here and turn any lakeside community in a bedroom town for both Lincoln and Omaha.

[Trips1]

LB1023 that was introduced today "floodway near the Platte River that
could be used to build a combined reservoir of approximately three
thousand six hundred surface acres, or greater, in or near Sarpy County...The land shall be located in or near Sarpy County and within the flood plain or floodway of the Platte...Preference shall be given to locations that were materially underwater when the Platte River flooded in 2019...lake be at least three thousand six hundred surface acres in size...

https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/Flo ... LB1023.pdf

[guy4omaha]

I can’t be the only one that’s noticed this just so happens to be less than a mile from Joe Ricketts retreat center right???

What an incredible coincidence!!

Maybe I am misunderstanding the point you’re trying to make. But the retreat center offers one type of retreat. The curriculum does not provide time to recreate on a nearby lake. If you leave the retreat grounds, you cannot recenter during your retreat. I don’t see how a lake impacts the retreat center or is a “coincidence”.

[guy4omaha]

I can’t be the only one that’s noticed this just so happens to be less than a mile from Joe Ricketts retreat center right???

What an incredible coincidence!!

The Jesus retreat for the elite

The retreat center is for everyone who would like to go. There is no charge to attend the retreats. You’re given the opportunity to make an anonymous free-will offering if you choose. I go every year and those who know me would definitely not consider me elite.

[OmahaJaysCU]

I can’t be the only one that’s noticed this just so happens to be less than a mile from Joe Ricketts retreat center right???

What an incredible coincidence!!

Maybe I am misunderstanding the point you’re trying to make. But the retreat center offers one type of retreat. The curriculum does not provide time to recreate on a nearby lake. If you leave the retreat grounds, you cannot recenter during your retreat. I don’t see how a lake impacts the retreat center or is a “coincidence”.

It was more of a what impact does a nice lake make on his dad’s real estate. Not bashing the center by any means. I am sure it serves a great purpose. But this absolutely would have an significantly positive impact on its value.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

This along with the Dollywood rumors would be huge for Omaha. If this does get built we need a railway from Omaha to Lincoln because this along with an amusement park, Mahoney, SAC museum, and Nebraska Crossing is a big enough demand.

[Garrett]

I saw someone on Reddit say that it's kinda funny how Ashland is essentially turning into Nebraska Disneyworld.

[Mjs5050ss]

I more than anyone want a big lake, but this is a terrible idea. The water table is dropping. I grew up on one of the sandy lakes out in the area, and the lakes are dropping quickly. Most lakes are taking action to to keep them from fluctuating with the water table, but not sure what you can do with 4,000 acers.

[Louie]

I more than anyone want a big lake, but this is a terrible idea. The water table is dropping. I grew up on one of the sandy lakes out in the area, and the lakes are dropping quickly. Most lakes are taking action to to keep them from fluctuating with the water table, but not sure what you can do with 4,000 acers.

Really? I grew up on one off the Platte in Cass County and while the level fluctuates they haven't seen any need to battle it.

[riceweb]

I more than anyone want a big lake, but this is a terrible idea. The water table is dropping. I grew up on one of the sandy lakes out in the area, and the lakes are dropping quickly. Most lakes are taking action to to keep them from fluctuating with the water table, but not sure what you can do with 4,000 acers.

Does that apply to this lake, since we'll be digging and since there's no reason to think the Platte will stop flowing?

[Louie]

I more than anyone want a big lake, but this is a terrible idea. The water table is dropping. I grew up on one of the sandy lakes out in the area, and the lakes are dropping quickly. Most lakes are taking action to to keep them from fluctuating with the water table, but not sure what you can do with 4,000 acers.

Does that apply to this lake, since we'll be digging and since there's no reason to think the Platte will stop flowing?

It would if what his says is true. The water level on these lakes is far more influenced by the water table than the nearby rivers.

[riceweb]

It would if what his says is true. The water level on these lakes is far more influenced by the water table than the nearby rivers.

Since this lake will be below the level of the river, it'll always be at least as full as the river, at least that's what it looks like here.

[Louie]

It would if what his says is true. The water level on these lakes is far more influenced by the water table than the nearby rivers.

Since this lake will be below the level of the river, it'll always be at least as full as the river, at least that's what it looks like here.

That's not entirely true, though. There are influences on it, but its very common for the sandpit lake to be at a higher level than the river. The water table is heavily influenced by the elevation of the land thanks to atmospheric pressure. So there will always be a pretty fair discrepancy between the two.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

I saw someone on Reddit say that it's kinda funny how Ashland is essentially turning into Nebraska Disneyworld.

Ashland is the Orlando to our Disneyworld, we just need more trailer parks and meth in town

[Coyote]

“'A big swing for the State of Nebraska': 400,000-acre lake near Omaha proposed to Legislature”

“There and he lake would go in or around Sarpy County, next to the Platte River, and housing would be privately developed around the sandpit lake.”


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/watch/he ... vp-AATI617

“KMTV Omaha, NE”

[ita]

“'A big swing for the State of Nebraska': 400,000-acre lake near Omaha proposed to Legislature”

“There and he lake would go in or around Sarpy County, next to the Platte River, and housing would be privately developed around the sandpit lake.”


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/watch/he ... vp-AATI617

“KMTV Omaha, NE”

Wow this project grew, literally, one hundred fold since the governor announced it. Haha.

[iamjacobm]

Yeah 400,000 acres is bigger than Douglas and Sarpy county combined I think

[ita]

Yeah 400,000 acres is bigger than Douglas and Sarpy county combined I think

KMTV needed to proofread that article before publishing.

[Coyote]

'A big swing for the State of Nebraska': 400,000-acre lake near Omaha proposed to Legislature



The lake would go in or around Sarpy County, next to the Platte River, and housing would be privately developed around the sandpit lake.

[Athomsfere]

"Big lake proposal hits choppy waters; one landowner says he’s not selling"

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/10 ... t-selling/


I am happy to see Senator Wayne here, and many others are bringing up a lot of my concerns.

[Coyote]

Senator calls big lake between Omaha and Lincoln a 'big swing



Support and Questions flow for 'Big Lake" proposal between Omaha and Lincoln

[ita]

Big lake proposal hits choppy waters; one landowner says he’s not selling

Paul Hammel
A proposal to build a 4,000-acre sandpit lake between Omaha and Lincoln ran into some choppy waters Thursday, with one owner of land on the preferred site saying his property wasn’t for sale.

Dan Bundy, whose family has farmed west of Gretna for more than a century, also wondered whether the state would be utilizing eminent domain to take his farm ground for the sandpit lake, saying he’s had land condemned for less than it’s worth in the past.

“There is little doubt that this lake would be a huge windfall for the State of Nebraska … but what about those of us, like myself and my family, who would be under the lake?” Bundy asked.

The massive sandpit lake was one of several recommendations that grew out of a special legislative study last year on how to enhance recreation in the state and thus encourage economic development and keep more young people in the state.
...
He said backers are seeking to form a public-private partnership, with the private partner financing 90% of the estimated $1 billion cost of the lake.

All the Star Wars proposals combined could generate $150 million in annual economic benefits, Hilgers said.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

All the Star Wars proposals combined could generate $150 million in annual economic benefits, Hilgers said.

I just wanted to post this quote out of context because it humors me.

[mgoett]

I hope this happens. Worked in Ashland for a couple years and drove by Linoma many times. The Birds or cranes migrating will love it.

[Garrett]

All the Star Wars proposals combined could generate $150 million in annual economic benefits, Hilgers said.

I just wanted to post this quote out of context because it humors me.

So what you're saying is... Disney is going to build a new Galaxy's Edge on this lake??!?!

[TitosBuritoBarn]

All the Star Wars proposals combined could generate $150 million in annual economic benefits, Hilgers said.

I just wanted to post this quote out of context because it humors me.

So what you're saying is... Disney is going to build a new Galaxy's Edge on this lake??!?!

Yes. I mean, they gotta compete with the forthcoming Omaha Dollywood for those sweet sweet Nebraska tourism dollars.

Oh man... I wish they would though. Of all the things that would make me strongly consider uprooting and moving my family back to Omaha, that would be towards the top.

[Coyote]

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/10 ... t-selling/

Big lake proposal hits choppy waters; one landowner says he’s not selling
Preferred site is in Sarpy County, north and south of Linoma Beach area

“LINCOLN — A proposal to build a 4,000-acre sandpit lake between Omaha and Lincoln ran into some choppy waters Thursday, with one owner of land on the preferred site saying his property wasn’t for sale.”

[ita]

Big lake, with $500M to $1B pricetag, gets a lot of love from state lawmakers

Paul Hammel

The proposal for a 4,000-acre sandpit lake between Omaha and Lincoln got a lot of love Wednesday from state legislators but also plenty of questions about how much public access would be allowed.

Sen. John Cavanaugh
Sen. John Cavanaugh of District 9. (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)
State Sens. John Cavanagh and Steve Lathrop, both of Omaha, led the questioning.

Cavanaugh told the Nebraska Examiner he was concerned that the public could be barred from a portion of the big lake.

“If we’re going to make this a state asset, we need to enshrine that we guarantee public access,” he said.

Lathrop had similar questions, wondering whether the state would be paying $500 million to $1 billion to dig a seven-mile-long sandpit so private developers could realize the profits by selling off lakeside lots.

Mike Hilgers, the main proponent of the bill, has made assurances that there will be public access, but no one knows what that will look like. Additionally, this was an interesting change:

Gering Sen. John Stinner, who heads the powerful Appropriations Committee, voted for advancing the big lake bill but pointed out that the initially, the governor wanted to earmark $50 million from federal funds, the American Rescue Plan Act, for the project.

But that has changed, Stinner said, because it was determined that dam and reservoir projects are not likely to qualify for ARPA. So now that money will come from state taxpayers.

[Louie]

If this becomes more private than public it would be a travesty.

[riceweb]

If this becomes more private than public it would be a travesty.

I believe the primary goal is to spur private development, not just along the lake but in the entire area, creating a large retail and entertainment corridor. Hotels, some outdoor adventure activities, maybe a replacement NFM, etc. This will in turn spur development of upscale residential neighborhoods. This becomes a major piece of Sarpy County's long-term growth IMO. I assume nearly all of the developments along the lake will be private spaces, but they'll be built to bring people out: restaurants with a rooftop patio overlooking the water, for instance.

What should public access to the lake be?

[PWL73316]

LOL this is turning into a classic boondoggle. Started as federal money to build a public lake and has quickly transformed into using state money to build a private lake for some nebulous "development" goal for 99.99% private benefit.

As a taxpayer I am 1000% opposed to spending millions/billions of dollars of tax money to allow a developer to build a patio restaurant or NFM to get a subsidized next location. If it's a profitable idea, then they don't need state money to do it.

[Louie]

If this becomes more private than public it would be a travesty.

I believe the primary goal is to spur private development, not just along the lake but in the entire area, creating a large retail and entertainment corridor. Hotels, some outdoor adventure activities, maybe a replacement NFM, etc. This will in turn spur development of upscale residential neighborhoods. This becomes a major piece of Sarpy County's long-term growth IMO. I assume nearly all of the developments along the lake will be private spaces, but they'll be built to bring people out: restaurants with a rooftop patio overlooking the water, for instance.

What should public access to the lake be?

Marinas, boat ramps, public lakeside trails/parks/beaches.

[riceweb]

What should public access to the lake be?

Marinas, boat ramps, public lakeside trails/parks/beaches.

I think those will all exist there, and they'll be well designed, inclusive, and fun for everyone. But they will be there to drive traffic to an upscale commercial and entertainment district. The entire thing will cater to higher-income households. It may still be beneficial for all Nebraskans (because we're probably losing economic development to other states that have districts like this, and that means we're not capturing our fair share of property and sales taxes), but let's be clear that the audience for this will be wealthy Nebraskans, Iowans, and tourists. I don't think that's a problem, but if anyone wants to shape this area differently, now would be the time to do so.

[PWL73316]

I think if you look at other nearby lakes of similar size, they don't exclusively cater to upscale visitors. This one would be substantially closer to a population center than any I can think of, but that cuts both ways.

Okoboji or the Ozarks or Stockton are definitely not an exclusively upper-crust playground and I don't think 'Big Lake' would be any different.

[riceweb]

I think if you look at other nearby lakes of similar size, they don't exclusively cater to upscale visitors. This one would be substantially closer to a population center than any I can think of, but that cuts both ways.

Okoboji or the Ozarks or Stockton are definitely not an exclusively upper-crust playground and I don't think 'Big Lake' would be any different.

There are a few major differences IMO between Okoboji/Beaver Lake of the Ozarks and this new Nebraska lake:

• Both of those lakes are decades old and predate the massive gentrification this country has seen in recent decades. There's no history of folksy recreation in this area, the new lake will be a tabla rasa for fancy-pants things.
• Since Nebraska will dig the lake rather than the lake following any natural contours of the area, it will have a pristine coastline that is perfect for developers.
• The lake is not very large (yes, it's the same number of acres as West Okoboji, but that entire lakes region is significantly larger, especially when you consider the jagged coastline that provides tons of nooks for development); the entire thing is a manageable size for just a handful of developers.
• It's in the backyard of ton of high-end housing developments in a very fast-growing area.

And two other quick points unrelated to Okoboji/Ozark lakes:

• In all the designs that have been published thus far, it's pretty clear they're not talking about a Lake Zorinsky type of rec area. They show all the commercial developments and fancy houses in the renderings. I'm certain they're planning on turning this into a gentrified little oasis.
• Economically speaking, the project doesn't make sense unless it prints property and sales tax dollars and spurs development beyond the lake area.

[damonhynes]

I'm not a hydrologist, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express(TM) last night, but:

This excavated lake seems to provide no flood control.

But when the Platte/Elkhorn floods, so will this lake. Vacation cabins turned to splinters to float downriver are one thing, but McMansions are another. Someone will get the ear of a congressman and this development would be rebuilt on the backs of taxpayers, I just know it.