Gov. Heineman Requests Federal Disaster Declaration
in Response to Recent Flooding

(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman has submitted a formal request to President George W. Bush for a federal disaster declaration in the wake of flooding occurring in the southwest, southeast and central parts of the state.

The Governor signed a state emergency declaration following the first series of floods resulting from storms in early May. Additional counties are expected to be added as damage estimates from recent storms are compiled.

Gov. Heineman said, “While much of our state has benefited from the rain we’ve received in the last several weeks, there’s no doubt that for some areas this moisture came too fast. I had an opportunity to see several flooded areas late last week where even days after a storm, water continued to wash-out many roads. Once these flood waters recede, I think we’ll see additional damage resulting from last week’s storms.”

The Governor’s initial request covers damage resulting from flooding that occurred in Blaine, Brown, Cass, Custer, Gage, Garfield, Jefferson, Johnson, Keya Paha, Knox, Loup, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline, Saunders, and Wheeler Counties.

Damage assessments compiled by the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) indicate the most severe impacts have been to roads, bridges and culverts, in addition to some wind damage sustained to public buildings and electrical systems. Efforts to remove storm debris are ongoing. Receiving a federal disaster declaration helps ensure that emergency assistance is made available to state and local governments involved in recovery efforts.
Assessments from the most recent series of storms occurring at the end of May are just beginning, due to ongoing flood status in many areas. NEMA officials expect to receive damage assessments through next week.

Additional counties impacted by late May storms include: Dawson, Frontier, Greeley, Hayes, Hitchcock, Kearney, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, Sherman, Thomas, and Valley Counties.