FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2005, 6:20 p.m. CT

(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman received word today that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials will make federal disaster funds available to communities affected by severe storms and flooding from May 11-12 in central Nebraska.

"I am pleased that President Bush honored our request for public assistance at the federal level," Gov. Heineman said. "Several of our roads, bridges and important public infrastructure projects were adversely affected by these storms. These funds will allow our communities to continue with clean-up and rebuilding efforts."

FEMA approved federal funding to cover 75 percent of the costs to local governments of emergency work and damage restoration to public property in the affected counties. State and local governments will share the remaining costs. Eleven counties qualify, including Adams, Buffalo, Fillmore, Frontier, Hall, Hamilton, Howard, Kearney, Merrick, Seward and York. Public damage has been estimated at $3.2 million.

Additional federal funds will be made available to assist the state in covering costs for projects aimed at reducing the risks of future disasters, ranging from flood abatement measures and drainage adjustments to power line strengthening and tornado safe rooms.

FEMA will send a representative to provide information to city and county officials on the process for applying for federal funds. Times and locations will be announced in the coming days. A Disaster Field Office will be located in the basement of Grand Island City Hall. It will be staffed by state and federal emergency management officials beginning Monday, June 27.

Federal officials did not approve the Governor's request for individual assistance from FEMA. Gov. Heineman is looking into the possibility of providing at least some state assistance to help offset the significant financial costs to home and business owners.

"There are still many families working to reclaim the lives they led before the storms, and we will continue to explore our options to assist them," Gov. Heineman said.