Nebraska counties receive federal funding for storm recovery

Several Nebraska counties will receive disaster assistance following severe storms, straight-line winds and floods that impacted the state this spring.

A total of 17 county will be eligible for recovery funding following severe weather events between May 20 and June 3, FEMA announced this week.

Public assistance federal funding will be available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and repairs to facilities damaged by the severe storms.

Counties eligible for funding span the state, and include Burt, Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Dundy, Fillmore, Hamilton, Hayes, Hitchcock, Howard, Keith, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Saunders and Washington counties.

On May 23, a tornado at Lake McConaughy destroyed over 20 buildings, including homes, outbuildings and shops. It also damaged almost 40 homes. Multiple tornadoes were reported in the state that night.

A press release from Gov. Jim Pillen’s Office stated there was damage to public property and infrastructure totaling $11.5 million following the storm systems.

Federal funding is also available for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Andrew P. Meyer was named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas, a press release stated.