General

OPPD crews pitch in to help Habitat fast-track homes for those in need

A unique partnership between OPPD’s Underground Construction team, OPPD Forestry contractors and Habitat for Humanity Omaha is helping accelerate new home construction in north Omaha.

Crews recently came together to clear trees and debris from 40 lots across three neighborhoods. The work that will significantly speed up Habitat’s ability to prepare the land for new homes.

“We genuinely would not have been able to build on those lots for the next five years because of all the tree work that had to happen,” Nata Dominguez, Habitat’s construction project engineer, said of three home builds slated for 2027. “Now we can do it next summer.”

The collaboration began last year, when Underground Construction Supervisor Wes Moore approached OPPD’s Community Relations team in search of a volunteer opportunity that aligned with the specialized capabilities of his crew.

“It was something unique and different from the typical volunteering activity,” Moore said. “Our crews were looking for a challenge, and this was a perfect fit.”

Building on success

Last year’s success sparked OPPD’s interest in renewing the partnership. The OPPD crews tackled three areas, near 26th and Lake streets, 36th and Spaulding streets, and the Fontenelle neighborhood, which has about nine lots scattered across a two‑block area.

The effort involved 40-50 OPPD forestry contractor crews and 30-35 Underground Construction employees, along with OPPD heavy equipment operators and line crews.

Along with Wright Tree Service and Asplundh Tree Expert, the team partnered with Bobcat of Omaha for needed equipment. The City of Omaha provided an area close by for storing tree debris that the city will turn into mulch.

Together, crews removed truckloads of fallen trees — an estimated 60+ side-load dump truck loads. The work required everything from chainsaws to excavators. Tree crews performed the delicate cutting near homes and streets. Underground Construction used large equipment to topple trees while also handling debris removal, loading and hauling.

The event provided several newer employees valuable hands-on practice with equipment in a safe environment. Others had the opportunity to step forward to offer strategic input and guide decisions for the event.

“This is a great opportunity for our group,” he said. “Our Underground Construction crews get to take the lead, use their expertise and help shape how we tackle the work.”

The work also helps stimulate storm situations where heavy debris may be in the way of getting power back on.

The value of partnership

Habitat leaders visited the sites to thank crews directly. The organization typically has budget to clear one or two lots a quarter. Dominguez estimated that the effort saved the organization a half-million dollars and moved up timelines for home builds by three to four years.

For the OPPD team, the appreciation — and the chance to make a long-term impact — reinforces the value of the partnership.

“I love getting our guys together to work together and to problem solve on things we don’t do every day,” said Troy Anzalone, working shop crew leader, who is point for lining up all the equipment for the event.

“The neighbors are so appreciative,” he said. “These places have been covered with trees and trash, old mattresses, carpet pad – we even found a boat on one. I can only imagine what it would be like living next to that.”