In the wake of the devastating tornado outbreak on April 26 Governor Jim Pillen has submitted a request to President Joe Biden for a federal disaster declaration for the state. It includes a request for federal assistance for a wide range of emergency relief costs, including debris removal, emergency protective measures and individual assistance.
The request comes after the destructive storms hit several counties across the state. Pillen declared a state of emergency for three counties affected by tornadoes, Douglas, Washington and Lancaster.
FEMA has been working with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency to obtain accurate damage assessments, which included a fly-over of those areas Wednesday with Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, who also serves as the state’s homeland security director.
Preliminary cost assessments submitted to FEMA for public infrastructure damage in all counties is $11.5 million. Over $8 million of that is for damage assessed to public infrastructure in Douglas and Washington Counties. It was noted in the request that the number would increase as storm damage assessments continue to take place.
Nearly 400 homes in Douglas and Washington counties have been impacted by the storms, including almost 160 homes that were destroyed.
(Photo: Governor Pillen’s Office)