By Katie Schubert
Omaha, NE – Conditions at Omaha's Eppley Airfield are returning to normal following this summer's Missouri River flooding.
Omaha Airport Authority executive director Steve Coufal says the Airfield is in the demobilization phase and will begin removing sandbags from the site. Coufal says the flood threat ended August 27th at Eppley, and the Airport Authority met both of its objectives to protect property and maintain normal air operations.
70 dewatering wells will be used through this fall. Coufal says early action by the Airport Authority kept flood water away from Eppley's infrastructure. "I think the lesson learned is to be proactive, to be informed, to get experts on board, the right team, and then listen and take every step possible to remain proactive."
The Airport Authority has spent $26 million to date on flood control. Those costs are expected to rise as damage assessments are done.
Omaha is no longer under a flood warning and the Missouri River is below flood stage.