City approves $29k for culvert work at new fire station

by Jason Futch
Published 6/10/26

The North Bend City Council voted to move forward with a drainage improvement project along Platte River Road following a presentation from North Bend Rural Fire District president Pat Tawney during the council’s regular meeting on June 2.

During the meeting, Tawney provided council members with an update on a proposal that had been discussed involving drainage issues near the site of the new fire house is being built in the southeast corner of town for the North Bend Volunteer Fire Department. According to Tawney, the project would see the installation of approximately 900 feet of 18-inch culvert through an existing drainage ditch extending from the area near Catalpa Street east to Oak Street.

Tawney said the project will help alleviate water backup at the site where the fire house is being built due to an elevation issue. The existing culverts are partially filled with sediment and may need cleaning.

Tawney also added that local contractor Larry Dolezal has donated dirt toward the construction and will also be donating dirt toward the culvert project, while County Road Superintendent Scott Huppert was able to assist with getting a cheaper rate for the culverts in Kearney, providing a cost savings toward the project. The total cost for the project will be $29,000, including $20,000 for the culverts and $9,000 to have them installed.

During the discussion, councilman Alex Legge shared with the board his concerns spending the money on the project while the city still does not know the extent of repairs that need to be done on both sides of the city due to cave-ins.

Read the full story in the print or e-edition.

<<Back to the front page