Neb. Gov. Unveils Updated Public Damage Estimates From May 22 Storms

Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns has released the latest public damages estimate from tornadoes, high winds, hail and flooding that hit Nebraska on May 22, which total approximately $12.1 million.

The Governor sent a letter this week to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting that 11 counties be added to the existing disaster declaration for public assistance.

Johanns said, “The sheer magnitude of damage to the public infrastructure in some of these counties is astonishing. Thankfully, we’ve been able to get four of the counties that were hit hardest quickly approved for federal disaster relief. I believe that once FEMA officials have a chance to look at these estimated damage totals, our request to add 11 counties to the existing disaster declaration for public assistance will be granted.”

Current estimates include debris removal, emergency services and damages to roads, municipal water and sewer systems, public buildings, public power systems and parks.

County totals, which continue to be subject to change, are as follows: Adams $778,000, Blaine $2,000, Boone $121,000, Cass $538,000, Clay $480,238, Cuming $76,000, Dodge $212,500, Fillmore $8,700, Gage $1,290,157, Jefferson $80,485, Lancaster $7,554,025, Saline $394,044, Seward $30,000, Thayer $257,000, Washington $167,000, Webster $79,500 and York $55,000.

In counties approved for federal disaster relief, FEMA will reimburse local governments 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads, bridges, buildings and utilities.