Gov. Heineman Requests Federal Disaster Declaration

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman submitted a request to President Barack Obama for a federal disaster declaration for storm and tornado damage in several western Nebraska counties and other parts of the state for the month of June.

Damage assessments from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency indicate at least $4 million in damages, primarily to roads and other public infrastructure. Assessments were conducted in recent weeks with a team of state and federal officials.

The 13 counties included are Arthur, Box Butte, Cherry, Garden, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff Counties in the west; Custer, Keya Paha, Hamilton, and Rock Counties in the central region; and Dixon, Pawnee and Richardson Counties in the east.

Tornadoes, high winds, hail and above average rainfall were seen in many areas of the state throughout the month. Several roads and highways were closed at various points due to flash flooding that damaged roads and were later washed out by additional storms moving through the area.

The request for federal includes funding for repairs to roads, bridges, public power infrastructure and other public buildings, as well as debris removal.