Gov. Heineman Requests Disaster Declaration

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today requested federal disaster assistance for several counties across the state to help individuals, businesses and governmental entities recover from the severe storms and flooding that struck Nebraska beginning June 1. “Recent storms have resulted in historic flooding,” said Gov. Heineman. “We have seen significant damage to homes, farms, ranches, businesses and infrastructure. There have been countless stories of communities coming together to sandbag, and neighbors helping neighbors. I am proud of Nebraskans for pulling together during these storms.” So far, preliminary damage estimates to public infrastructure from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) total more than $16 million statewide. The most severe impacts were to roads, bridges and culverts, resulting from strong thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes, flooding, rain and hail. Gov. Heineman is requesting that President Barack Obama declare a major disaster for the State of Nebraska in two categories: Public Assistance and Individual Assistance. Public Assistance is being requested to help local, state and tribal governments, as well as some nonprofit organizations in 53 Nebraska counties. Public Assistance can help with eligible costs to remove storm debris, take emergency protective measures and repair or replace disaster-damaged roads, bridges, public buildings, critical facilities, such as water, sewer and power systems and other public facilities. Those counties are: Antelope, Arthur, Blaine, Boone, Boyd, Brown, Burt, Cass, Chase, Cherry, Cheyenne, Colfax, Cuming, Custer, Dodge, Douglas, Frontier, Garden, Garfield, Greeley, Harlan, Hayes, Holt, Howard, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, Madison, McPherson, Morrill, Nance, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Otoe, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Platte, Richardson, Rock, Sarpy, Saunders, Sherman, Sioux, Stanton, Thomas, Valley, Washington, Wayne, Webster and Wheeler. Additionally, the Governor is requesting individual assistance for 33 counties. Individual Assistance can help with disaster-related damages to homes and businesses in the designated counties. This assistance can include money to pay for a temporary place to live while damages to a primary residence are being repaired and/or funds to pay for minimal repairs to make a primary home safe, sanitary and functional. Low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration also may be available to cover major disaster damages and/or replace personal property. Those counties are: Adams, Antelope, Blaine, Brown, Cass, Cherry, Cheyenne, Colfax, Cumming, Custer, Dawson, Dodge, Douglas, Garfield, Greeley, Hayes, Logan, Loup, Madison, McPherson, Morrill, Nuckolls, Otoe, Platte, Richardson, Rock, Sarpy, Scotts Bluff, Sherman, Stanton, Thomas, Valley and Wheeler. The letter to President Obama states, “The severe storm system caused extensive road closures to federal, state and local road systems causing loss of bridges and roads affecting emergency response, business and general travel throughout the state. Our State continues to deal with accessibility issues due to the loss of roads infrastructure. Private homes and businesses have been lost and damaged from the continuing flooding, storms and tornadoes.” NEMA Assistant Director Al Berndt said, “The extent of the damage means this will likely be a long-term process for these counties. We will work closely with local agencies to help move the recovery along.” Additional counties may be added to the Governor’s disaster request at a later time. Teams comprised of local, state, and federal officials are assessing additional counties for possible inclusion. The Governor’s request will be reviewed by the FEMA regional office in Kansas City before being forwarded to the White House for a decision.