Areas of the state hit by a windy winter storm a few months ago will get access to federal relief funds.
President Donald J. Trump on Monday approved a major disaster declaration for Nebraska, making available federal disaster aid for recovery efforts in areas affected by a severe winter storm and straight-line winds April 29-May 3.
According to a press release issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Monday, "Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe winter storm and straight-line winds in Blaine, Custer, Furnas, Garfield, Gosper, Holt, Loup, Red Willow, Rock, and Valley counties."
Assistance for these areas are eligible for:
- Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
- Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
- Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal, and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
How to apply for assistance
Application procedures for state, tribal, and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.
