Gov. Heineman Sends Letter to President Bush Requesting Disaster Declaration
(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today sent a letter to President George W. Bush requesting a Federal Disaster Declaration to provide federal funding for damage resulting from this month’s flooding, hail and wind damage in central Nebraska.
A Presidential Declaration would make available federal dollars to assist in funding recovery operations in 11 Nebraska counties. More than $3 million in damages to public infrastructure in those counties resulted from thunderstorms on May 11 and 12. Additionally, the Governor is requesting nearly $2 million in federal program funding for Individual Assistance, a damage figure beyond what officials estimate insurance would cover. Figures for the cost estimates in the Governor’s letter come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“These storms were unique in how quickly they impacted a large portion of central Nebraska,” Gov. Heineman said. “I am asking President Bush to help us offer those who were affected – from the neighborhood level, up – some much-needed relief.”
Public Assistance funding is being sought for the counties of Adams, Buffalo, Fillmore, Frontier, Hall, Hamilton, Howard, Kearney, Merrick, Seward and York. Public Assistance covers seven categories of damage: debris removal, emergency protective measures, roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, and other needs, which can include parks and recreation facilities. A damage total of $3,109,820 in those categories has been identified. Federal funding, if received, would cover $2,332,365 of that total. The state would be responsible for a $324,416 share, while the local responsibility would be $453,039.
Individual Assistance figures from FEMA show a total program cost estimate of $1,969,000 in Adams, Hall, Merrick and York Counties. This figure, which considers only federally covered damage, is the amount left after adjustments to damage totals accounting for property covered by private insurance and federal loan programs. Total FEMA damage assessments are being compiled.
Gov. Heineman’s request for a federal declaration has been sent to FEMA Region VII Director Richard Hainje, who will present it to President Bush for consideration. These figures are based on the Preliminary Damage Assessment conducted in the affected counties. If a declaration is made, FEMA will register applicants using a toll-free hotline, and specific damage figures will be collected, which may change the assistance totals. A declaration decision could take weeks.
