Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
PARTICIPANT SECTION
VILLAGE OF DIX
South Platte NRD
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
January 2017
South Platte NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ♦ January 2017
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
INTRODUCTION
The 2016 South Platte Natural Resources District (SPNRD) Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
(HMP) is an update to the plan that was adopted by the SPNRD in June 2012. This HMP includes two
primary sections: the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Participant (i.e. County, Municipal, and
School District) Sections. Participant Sections include similar information that is also provided in the
Regional Section, but rather is specific information for the Dix, including the following elements:
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Participation
Location/Geography
Climate
Transportation
Demographics
Future Development Trends
Parcel Improvements and Valuations
Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources
Historical Hazard Events
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Governance
Capability Assessment
Plan Integration
Mitigation Actions
Local Planning Team
Table 1 provides the list of participating members that comprised the Dix local planning team. Members of
the planning team attended Round 1 and Round 2 meetings and provided important information including,
but not limited to: confirming demographic information, critical facilities, hazard history and impacts,
identifying hazards of greatest concern for the district, and prioritization of mitigation actions that address
the hazards at risk to the district.
Table 1: The Dix Local Planning Team
Name
Sharon Villareal
Title
Clerk
South Platte NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ♦ January 2017
Department / Organization
Village of Dix
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
The Village of Dix is located in the eastern portion of Kimball County and covers an area of .22 square
miles.
Figure 1: Map of the Village of Dix
South Platte NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ♦ January 2017
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
TRANSPORTATION
According to the NDOR’s 2014 Statewide Traffic Flow Map, US Highway 30 runs through Dix running
east/west, and accommodates approximately 1,000 vehicles per day, 110 of which are heavy commercial
vehicles. The Union Pacific Railroad runs east/west along Dix’s northern border.
DEMOGRAPHICS
The following figure displays the historical population trend from 1930 to 2010. Dix experienced a decline
in population from 1960 to 1990, since then, the population has been on a trend of growth.
Figure 2: Population 1930 - 2010
420
450
400
342
350
300
279
322
275
270
267
255
229
250
199
200
150
100
50
0
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2014
ACS
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
The following table indicates the Village of Dix has a much younger population, relative to Kimball County
as a whole. This is attributable to the percentage of individuals
Table 2: Population by Age
Age
<5
5-64
>64
Median
Dix
13.0%
81.6%
11.7
31.1
Kimball County
7.4%
67.5%
25.4%
46.1
State of Nebraska
7.2%
79.2%
13.6%
36.2
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010, Table DP-1
The following table indicates that Dix’s median household income is less than 65% that of Kimball
County’s median household income. Yet, rental rates are even higher than those of the county as a whole.
Table 3: Housing and Income
Median Household Income
Per Capita Income
Median Home Value
Median Rent
Dix
$35,625
$14,708
$68,000
$645
Kimball County
$55,061
$25,133
$75,100
$624
State of Nebraska
$51,672
$26,899
$128,000
$706
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Surveys 5-year Estimates, Table DP03 and DP04
South Platte NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ♦ January 2017
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
According to 2009-2013 ACS 5-year estimates, the community has 148 housing units with 77.7 percent of
those units occupied. There are approximately 18 mobile homes in the community and 58.1 percent of the
community’s housing was built before 1960.
Figure 3: Housing Units by Year Built
50
46
45
40
35
30
25
24
25
21
20
16
15
10
8
6
2
5
0
0
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Surveys 5-year Estimates, Table DP04
Table 4: Housing Units
Total Housing Units
Jurisdiction
Dix
Kimball County
Occupied
Occupied Housing Units
Vacant
Owner
Renter
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
115
77.7%
33
22.3%
92
80.0%
23
20.0%
1,628
84.6%
297
15.4%
1,084
66.6%
544
33.4%
Source: Selected Housing Characteristics, 2009 - 2013 ACS 5-year estimate
Major Employers
According to the local planning team, many residents of Dix travel to either Kimball or Sidney for work.
Other residents work in the areas surrounding Dix, on local farms.
South Platte NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ♦ January 2017
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
PARCEL IMPROVEMENTS AND VALUATION
The planning team requested GIS parcel data from the County Assessor. This data allowed the planning
team to analyze the location, number, and value of property improvements at the parcel level. The data did
not contain the number of structures on each parcel. A summary of the results of this analysis is provided
in the following table.
Table 5: Structural Inventory/Parcel Improvements
Number of
Parcels
Total Improvement
Value
Mean Value of
Improvements Per
Parcel
Number of
Parcels with
Floodplain area*
205
$4,844,960
$23,634
0
Value of
Improvements
with Floodplain
area*
$0
*HAZUS-MH generated 1% Annual Flood Risk Area
Source: Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
While Dix does have a Comprehensive Plan and a Zoning Ordinance, no plans exist for future development.
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE/KEY RESOURCES
Chemical Storage Fixed Sites
According to the Tier II System reports submitted to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality,
there are no hazardous chemical storage sites in Dix.
Historic Sites
According to the National Register of Historic Places for Nebraska, there are no historic sites located in or
near Dix.
Critical Facilities
Each participating jurisdiction identified critical facilities vital for disaster response, providing shelter to
the public, and essential for returning the jurisdiction’s functions to normal during and after a disaster.
Critical facilities were identified during the original planning process and updated by the local planning
team as a part of this plan update. The following table and figure provide a summary of the critical facilities
for the jurisdiction.
Table 6: List of Critical Facilities in Dix
CF Number
Name
1
2
3
4
5
State Road Department
Roads Department
Fire Department and Community Center
Park Facility
School
6
7
8
9
Village Office
Post Office
Water Tower
Dix Bible Church
South Platte NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ♦ January 2017
Located in Floodplain
(Y/N)
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
Figure 3: Critical Facilities
South Platte NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ♦ January 2017
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
LOCAL HAZARD PRIORITIZATION
Hazard Identification
For more information regarding area wide hazards, please see Section Four: Risk Assessment. The
following discussion provides community specific information as reported by the planning team that is
relevant to each hazard. Only hazards identified either as a concern to the community by the local planning
team or based on the occurrence and risk of the hazard to the community are discussed in detail below.
Drought
According to the local planning team, drought is an unpredictable hazard in Dix, and may occur every other
year, though the planning team indicates Dix has not experienced drought in approximately three years.
The Village’s biggest concerns include overall crop health, and pastures drying up, these concerns lead to
economic issues for the community. While drought conditions have been known to have agricultural
impacts, the Village’s water supply has never been threatened as a result of a drought event. To mitigate
against lasting impacts from drought events, the Village maintenance man attends drought workshops, and
other educational opportunities. Domestic wells are metered to encourage the responsible use of water.
Grass/Wildfires
According to the local planning team, wildfire occurs two to three times per year, the majority of these
wildfires are limited to ten acres or less. According to the local planning team, these fires are often caused
as a result of lightning or cigarettes. The Village of Dix has a volunteer fire department, which assists in
responding to these events, most often, response times are within five minutes. Dix has not worked to
mitigate the lasting impacts of grass/wildfires.
Hail
According to the local planning team, hail events impact Dix two to three times per year, with an average
magnitude of marble-sized hail. In the past, damages have been recorded to vehicles, roofs and siding.
According to the local planning team, community members have invested in carports to cover vehicles in
case of a hail event. Approximately 95% of the residents in Dix have coverings of some type for their
vehicles.
According to the NCDC, 27 hail events have been recorded in Dix since 1996. Of these 27 events, hail
caused over $51,000 in damages to property.
High Winds
High winds are very common in the panhandle of Nebraska, a “high wind” is often considered to be a 3040 mph wind. The Village has suffered impacts of high wind events in the past, such as downed trees, and
damages to roofing shingles, and fences. Within Dix, residents struggle to maintain trees, to prevent
additional damages from falling branches, etc. The community does have five mobile homes, which all
utilize mobile home tie-downs. Dix has included the use of mobile home tie downs as a required practice
within their Village ordinances. The community does experience a higher level of vulnerability, due to the
issue of maintaining properties. Residents who do not maintain their properties may be a source of debris
which could damage neighboring properties.
Severe Thunderstorms
According to the local planning team, the Village can expect two damages per year from a severe
thunderstorm event. Most frequently, damages from severe thunderstorms include damage to electrical
infrastructure, basement flooding, or killing livestock. According to the local planning team, the community
experiences six to seven power outages annually as a result of severe thunderstorm. To mitigate the lasting
impacts of severe thunderstorms, the Village has worked to utilize the CodeRed messaging alert system.
South Platte NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ♦ January 2017
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
Severe Winter Storms
According to the local planning team, a severe winter storm is typically defined by high winds, accompanied
by heavy snow. Dix’s maintenance man is in charge or removing snow locally, and has sufficient resources
to do so. The Village has a grader, and a backhoe to assist in snow removal. The local planning team is
most concerned about the Village’s elderly population, when considering the concerns of severe winter
storms.
The Village has experienced damages in the past as a result of severe winter storms, typically these are
damages related to tree damages.
Tornadoes
While Dix has not been directly affected by a tornado event, tornadoes are relatively common for the area.
In the past, the local planning team recalled ten events which Dix was included on a tornado warning for
the area, including three events in one day. According to the NCDC, two tornadoes have touched down in
Dix, (EF0, F0). These events caused $3,000 in damages. Like other communities in the planning area, Dix’
concerns related to tornadoes are directly linked to the devastation they can wreak on both human life and
structures, and the unpredictability associated with those events.
For awareness, Dix, utilizes a warning siren, CodeRed emergency messaging, and radios. The community
does not have a weather radio. According to the local planning team, most residents have basements, where
they seek refuge from tornadoes. The community does experience a higher measure of vulnerability due to
the number of mobile homes in the area, Dix has five mobile homes, which are highly vulnerable to both
tornado and high wind events.
GOVERNANCE
A community’s governance indicates the number of boards or offices that may be available to help
implement hazard mitigation actions. Dix is governed by a five-member Village Board. The Village also
has the following offices and departments:
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Clerk/Treasurer
Attorney
Maintenance & Utility Superintendent
Fire Chief
Sewer Commissioner
Street Commissioner
Water Commissioner
Garbage Commissioner
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
The capability assessment consisted of two main components: a Capability Assessment Survey completed
by the jurisdiction and a review of local existing policies, regulations, plans, and the programs. The survey
is used to gather information regarding the jurisdiction’s planning and regulatory capability; administrative
and technical capability; fiscal capability; and educational and outreach capability.
Table 7: Capability Assessment
Survey Components/Subcomponents
Planning
and
Regulatory
Capability
Administrative
and
Technical
Capability
Fiscal
Capability
Education
and
Outreach
Capability
Comprehensive Plan
Capital Improvements Plan
Economic Development Plan
Floodplain Management Plan
Storm Water Management Plan
Zoning Ordinance
Subdivision Regulation/Ordinance
Floodplain Ordinance
Building Codes
National Flood Insurance Program
Community Rating System
Planning Commission
Floodplain Administration
GIS Capabilities
Chief Building Official
Civil Engineering
Local Staff Who Can Assess Community’s Vulnerability to
Hazards
Grant Manager
Mutual Aid Agreement
Capital Improvement Plan/ 1 & 6 Year Plan
Applied for grants in the past
Awarded a grant in the past
Authority to Levy Taxes for Specific Purposes such as
Mitigation Projects
Gas/Electric Service Fees
Storm Water Service Fees
Water/Sewer Service Fees
Development Impact Fees
General Obligation Revenue or Special Tax Bonds
Local citizen groups or non-profit organizations focused on
environmental protection, emergency preparedness, access
and functional needs populations, etc.
Ex. CERT Teams, Red Cross, etc.
Ongoing public education or information program (e/g/
responsible water use, fire safety, household preparedness,
environmental education)
Natural Disaster or Safety related school programs
StormReady Certification
FireWise Communities Certification
Tree City USA
South Platte NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ♦ January 2017
Existing (Yes/No)
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
PLAN INTEGRATION
The plans listed in the preceding table were analyzed using guidance from FEMA’s 2014 Plan Integration
Guide. The following paragraph presents a summary of the findings of this analysis.
Dix has relatively few planning mechanisms available at a local level. The community does have a Zoning
Ordinance, last updated in 1996. While the zoning ordinance is quite old, it does provide some useful
objectives from a mitigation standpoint. The ordinance does specifically say that the community intends to
protect the lasting health and safety of its residents by utilizing the zoning ordinance.
Dix does have a designated Well Head Protection Area which is located south and west of the community.
The development of a Well Head Protection Plan would be beneficial for the protection of municipal water
supplies.
MITIGATION STRATEGY
Completed Mitigation Projects
Description
Goal/ Objective
Hazard(s) Addressed
Estimated Cost
Funding
Description
Goal/ Objective
Hazard(s) Addressed
Estimated Cost
Funding
Description
Goal/Objective
Hazards Addressed
Estimated Cost
Funding
Description
Goal/Objective
Hazards Addressed
Estimated Cost
Funding
Backup Generator
Provide a portable or stationary source of backup power to redundant power supplies,
municipal wells, lift stations and other critical facilities and shelters.
Goal 2, Objective 2.2
Tornados, High Winds, Severe Winter Storms, Severe Thunderstorms
$25,000
General Fund
Emergency Communications
Establish an action plan to improve communication between agencies to better assist
residents and businesses during and following emergencies. Establish inner-operable
communications.
Goal 4, Objective 4.1
All Hazards
$10,000+
General Fund
Public Awareness/Education
Through activities such as outreach projects, distribution of maps and environmental
education, increase public awareness of natural hazards to both public and private
property owners, renters, businesses, and local officials about hazards and ways to protect
people and property from these hazards. In addition, educate citizens on erosion control
and water conservation methods.
Goal 3, Objective 3.1
All Hazards
$5,000+
General Fund
Warning Systems
Improve cable TV interrupt warning system and implement telephone interrupt system
such as Reverse 911.
Goal 4, Objective 4.3
All Hazards
$10,000
General Fund, Emergency Management funding
South Platte NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ♦ January 2017
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
Description
Goal/Objective
Hazards Addressed
Estimated Cost
Funding
Alert/Warning Sirens
Perform an evaluation of existing alert sirens in order to determine sirens which should
be replaced or upgraded. Install new sirens where lacking and remote activation.
Goal 4, Objective 4.3
All Hazards
$15,000
General Fund, Emergency Management
New/Ongoing Projects
Description
Goal/ Objective
Hazard(s) Addressed
Estimated Cost
Funding
Status
Priority
Lead Agency
Description
Goal/ Objective
Hazard(s) Addressed
Estimated Cost
Funding
Status
Priority
Lead Agency
Description
Goal/ Objective
Hazard(s) Addressed
Estimated Cost
Funding
Status
Priority
Lead Agency
New Municipal Well
Communities can evaluate the need to install a new well to provide a safe backup water
supply for the community, replace existing wells affected by drought, and additional
water for fire protections.
Goal 2, Objective 2.1
Drought
$350,000
USDA Grant & USDA Loan
Preliminary design
High
Village Engineer
Maintain Good Standing in the NFIP
Maintain good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) including
floodplain management practices/ requirements and regulation enforcement and updates.
Goal 2, Objective 2.3
Flooding
None
Not Applicable
Ongoing
Medium
Village Board
Tree City USA
Work to become a Tree City USA through the National Arbor Day Foundation in order
to receive direction, technical assistance, and public education on how to establish a
hazardous tree identification and removal program in order to limit potential tree damage
and damages caused by trees in a community when a storm event occurs. The four main
requirements include: 1) Establish a tree board; 2) Enact a tree care ordinance; 3)
Establish a forestry care program; 4) Enact an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Goal 2, Objective 2.2
Severe Thunderstorm, Tornados, High Winds, Severe Winter Storms
$1,000+
General Fund
Ongoing
Low
Village Board
South Platte NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ♦ January 2017
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
Description
Goal/ Objective
Hazard(s) Addressed
Estimated Cost
Funding
Status
Priority
Lead Agency
Location
Weather Radios
Conduct an inventory of weather radios at schools and other critical facilities and provide
new radios as needed.
Goal 4, Objective 4.3
All Hazards
$50/radio
General Fund/Emergency Management
Ongoing
Low
Village Clerk
Village Office
Removed Mitigation Projects
Description
Reason for Removal
Description
Reason for Removal
Description
Reason for Removal
Description
Safe Room
Assess, design and construct fully supplied safe rooms in highly vulnerable urban and
rural areas such as mobile home parks, campgrounds, schools and other such areas
throughout the planning area. Assess the adequacy or current public buildings to be used
as safe rooms. Construct safe rooms in areas of greatest need, either as new construction
or retrofitting.
Not practical at this time
Stabilize/ Anchor Fertilizer, Fuel and Propane Tanks and Secure At-Risk
Development
Anchor fuel tanks to prevent movement. If left unanchored, tanks could present a major
threat to property and safety in a tornado or high wind event. “Tie downs” can be used to
anchor manufactured homes to their pads or concrete foundations.
Not applicable, not in village’s jurisdiction
Stormwater System and Drainage Improvements
Larger communities generally utilize underground stormwater systems comprised of
pipes and inlets to convey runoff. Undersized systems can contribute to localized
flooding. Stormwater system improvements may include pipe upsizing and additional
inlets. Smaller communities may utilize stormwater systems comprising of ditches,
culverts, or drainage ponds to convey runoff. Drainage improvements may include ditch
upsizing, ditch cleanout and culvert improvements. Retention and detention facilities may
also be implemented to decrease runoff rates while also decreasing the need for other
stormwater system improvements. Bridges typically serve as flow restrictions along
streams and rivers. Cleanout and reshaping of channel segments at bridge crossing can
increase conveyance, reducing the potential for flooding. Replacement or modification
of bridges and other flow restrictions may be necessary to provide greater capacity,
maintain or improve structural integrity during flood events, and eliminate flooding
threats and damages. Flood protection for critical and/ or highly vulnerable facilities,
areas, populations, and infrastructure is key.
Road grader works sufficiently.
Stream Bank Stabilization/ Grade Control Structures/ Channel Improvements
Stream bank/ bed degradation can occur along many rivers and creeks. Stabilization
improvements including rock rip rap, vegetative cover, j-hooks, boulder vanes, etc. can
be implemented to reestablish the channel banks. Grade control structures including
sheet-pile weirs, rock weirs, ponds, road dams, etc. can be implemented and improved to
maintain the channel bed. Channel stabilization can protect structures, increase
conveyance and provide flooding benefits. Flood protection for critical and/ or highly
vulnerable facilities, areas, populations, and infrastructure is key.
South Platte NRD Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ♦ January 2017
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Section Seven: Village of Dix Participant Section
Reason for Removal
Description
Reason for Removal
Not applicable
Floodplain Management
Continue or improve floodplain management practices such as adoption and enforcement
of floodplain management requirements (regulation of construction in significant flood
hazard areas), floodplain identification and mapping (local requests for map updates),
description of community assistance and monitoring activities, explanation for failure to
participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, Community Rating System (CRS),
and participation in Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Cooperating Technical
Partners Program (CTP) to increase local involvement in the flood mapping process.
No floodplain area
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