LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Forty-eight million dollars of federal funding is approved for Nebraskans following floods that caused major destruction in the state.
Nearly one month after the March 21 major disaster declaration, various entities have approved additional funding for the area.
The State of Nebraska, FEMA, other federal agencies, the private sector and numerous faith-based organizations continue supporting recovery efforts locally.
As of April 21, the following funding is approved, a press release from FEMA says:
• FEMA has approved $19.2 million in Individual Assistance for households, including rental assistance, repair assistance and assistance for other disaster-related needs.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $15.1 million in low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters.
• The National Flood Insurance Program has approved $14.1 million in flood claims.
More than 5,000 households have applied for FEMA assistance to aid in recovery. Roughly 4,200 home inspections have been done in the 27 counties and Santee Sioux Nation that are designated for Individual Assistance.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams continue canvassing affected neighborhoods and have visited 14,360 households.
Disaster Recovery Centers remain in place around Nebraska, providing one-on-one help for survivors looking for available services and assistance programs.
How to register with FEMA:
• Online, visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
• On a smart phone, download the FEMA app and click on “disaster resources,” then “apply for assistance online.”
• By phone, call FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY).
• Visit an open Disaster Recovery Center and speak to a FEMA specialist one-on-one. To find the nearest DRC, go online to FEMA.gov/DRC.
Other government entities have aided in Nebraska's recovery.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted aerial operations, assessing impacts in 65 counties and recovered 628 animal carcasses. The Food and Nutrition Service, along with the state, provided food benefits to more than 7,500 low-income households impacted by the floods.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted debris surveys in numerous communities, while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provided technical support and conducted aerial and land-based observations of flooded areas along the Missouri.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided relief relating to foreclosure, loan modifications and mortage insurance.
More than 6,300 Nebraskans utilized emergency shelters put in place by the American Red Cross and approximately 154,000 meals were served.
For more information on Nebraska disaster recovery, visit this website.
