Gov. Pillen Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Flood Damaged Counties

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Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Flood Damaged Counties

LINCOLN, NE - Governor Jim Pillen has requested a federal disaster declaration due to severe flooding that occurred Sept. 30 through Oct. 6. The request for public assistance applies to the following counties: Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward and Thayer.

Those counties sustained damage to water control facilities, roadways, bridges, electrical distribution infrastructure, schools, public buildings and equipment. In addition, Lancaster, Thayer and Saunders counties had extensive amounts of debris that required removal. Damage assessments have already exceeded $23 million and could go higher.

"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, which will help cover the costs that communities, counties and our Natural Resource Districts will incur through repairs and recovery," said Gov. Pillen.

Thunderstorms, which started on Sept. 30 caused widespread flash flooding. Rainfall was particularly significant in Lancaster and Douglas counties. In Omaha, 80 water rescues were reported.

In a separate request, Gov. Pillen has asked for a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration for Douglas County. As a result of the same flooding event, at least 25 homes and/or businesses were damaged, exceeding uninsured losses of at least 40 percent.

If granted, those property owners would have access to low interest loans to assist with their recovery.