Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Stands Guard at the Levee

By Alex Kemp

AmeriCorps NCCC team, Maple 2, just finished monitoring the levees of Bellevue, Nebraska. They were locating any areas of erosion, and seepage in the earth mound that extends for over ten miles. Papio-Missouri Natural Distract Resources (PMNDR) made the request for the team after the Nebraska National Guard completed their term on the project.

The team recorded the water levels of the Papillion Creek and Missouri River, checking for rodent holes, and providing security by making sure no member of the community came to close to the fierce water.  “This was the biggest job we’ve been assigned,” said Corps Member, John Ezzeta. “Knowing how important this job was, we showed up everyday ready to work,” said Ezzeta.

Working a 12 hour day, the team ensured that the levee was constantly being watched. A large portion of the flooding is affecting the Bellevue’s Haworth Park, which is currently off limits to the community due to safety concerns, and the Offutt Airbase, which is in risk of being flooded. Corps Member, Alex Kemp said, “PMNDR told us this levee was only meant to last one month. It’s now been three and we’re proud to have helped sustain it in any way we could.”

This project, which is categorized as Disaster Relief, was completed on August 20. Maple 2 then resumed working with Habitat for Humanity of Iowa. They’ll be working in Sioux City, IA.