Residents of Auburn and others living nearby are being asked to consider making available a portion of their homes to employees of Nebraska Public Power District’s Cooper Nuclear Station for a currently unknown period of time.
NPPD held an Aug. 1 meeting for CNS employees who live on the east side of the Missouri River and whose lives have become complicated with the closings of the bridges at Brownville and Nebraska City. Tim Donovan said there are approximately 150 workers impacted and over half of them attended Monday’s meeting.

Those seeking lodging are most likely interested in spending three or four nights a week in Auburn, although those nights might include some weekends. Another point stressed is that those looking for a place to stay need an inexpensive option as they aren’t technically displaced citizens and as such need to maintain their regular homes.
“Basically, what NPPD employees want is a sleeping room and access to a shower. They could benefit greatly from this option as opposed to the current situation which involves making a lengthy and expensive commute to and from work due to Missouri River bridges being closed,” he explained.  Rock Port residents who typically have a ten minute trip to the plant now face a 2.5 hour trip one way, a five hour commute to and from work.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun a slow decrease in releases from Missouri River reservoirs. However, this process will likely take a couple of months and it won’t be possible to assess the conditions of Highways 136 and 2, and Interstate 29 until the water returns to inside the banks of the Missouri.

People interested in finding out more about possibly helping out a Cooper employee(s) are encouraged to email (preferred) Barbara Lee at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 402-825-2821. If Ms. Lee isn’t present to answer the telephone, please leave a message and your call will be returned. A database will be compiled and an effort made to match property owners with people looking for a temporary place to stay.
Mayor Kudrna’s Input
Auburn Mayor Scott Kudrna told the newspaper last Friday that the City is making its RV Park available to people who have an RV and could benefit from staying there for the time being. Other than that, the City isn’t financially able to help those experiencing difficulties with the expenses and time necessary to reach their place of work due to the Missouri River bridges being closed.