Gov. Heineman Signs Disaster Declaration
to Help with Storm Recovery Efforts

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today signed a state disaster declaration to assist in the recovery process following significant public damages following the severe winter storm that struck southeast Nebraska early this week.

The storm produced high winds and heavy wet snow in Gage, Jefferson, Nemaha, Pawnee, Richardson, and Thayer Counties. Preliminary damage estimates from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) total more than $3 million.

NEMA Assistant Director Al Berndt said, “High winds and heavy snow caused power lines to fall and power poles to break, along with significant damage to area roads and trees. The extent of the damage means this will likely be a long-term process for these counties. We will work closely with local agencies to help move the recovery along.”

A disaster declaration makes state resources available to help with recovery in storm damaged areas. NEMA officials continue to work with local and county emergency managers to assess the scope of damage, and will coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to determine whether thresholds for federal assistance have been met.