Lancaster County is among eight Nebraska counties included in Gov. Jim Pillen’s request for a federal disaster declaration following severe flooding from Sept. 30 through Oct. 6. The request seeks federal public assistance to help local governments and Natural Resources Districts cover the costs of repairing damage caused by the flooding.
Other counties included are Douglas, Fillmore, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward and Thayer. Pillen says the damage from the flooding has been extensive. “I have asked President Trump, through a request submitted to FEMA, to consider the extent of damage resulting from this extraordinary flooding event and to grant a request for public assistance,” Pillen says.
He says the assistance would help cover recovery and repair costs for to water control facilities, roads, bridges, electrical distribution infrastructure, schools, public buildings and equipment. Lancaster, Saunders and Thayer counties also experienced significant debris that required removal.
Damage assessments have already exceeded $23 million statewide, with the total potentially increasing. The flooding began after thunderstorms moved through Nebraska on Sept. 30, producing widespread flash flooding. Rainfall was particularly significant in Lancaster and Douglas counties. Omaha reported 80 water rescues during the event.
In a separate request, Pillen has asked the U.S. Small Business Administration for a disaster declaration for Douglas County. At least 25 homes or businesses were damaged, with uninsured losses exceeding 40 percent.
If approved, eligible property owners in Douglas County could qualify for low-interest loans to help pay for recovery. The federal public assistance request, if approved, would help eligible local governments and other qualifying public entities recover costs associated with the flooding.