Gov. Heineman Requests Expedited Federal Disaster Declaration

Gov. Heineman Requests Expedited Federal Disaster Declaration

Gov. Dave Heineman tonight submitted a formal request to President George W. Bush for an expedited disaster declaration from the federal government following winter storms that have severely damaged public power utilities' ability to deliver power to thousands of Nebraskans.

Preliminary damage estimates from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and public power utilities indicate at least $58 million in damages to public infrastructure. Those numbers are likely to increase as more utilities and governmental agencies compile detailed damage assessments.

Gov. Heineman said, "Because of the size and scope of the disaster, there is a distinct possibility that state and local governments will need assistance in handling the full range of needs that could arise during a disaster recovery effort that could span several months. This request is an important step in securing the funding needed to support those on the front lines of this extremely difficult disaster response."

The Governor's request includes damage from winter storms beginning Dec. 19 and ending Jan. 2. The 57 counties included in the Governor's federal disaster declaration request are Adams, Antelope, Blaine, Boone, Brown, Buffalo, Cedar, Chase, Cheyenne, Clay, Custer, Dawson, Dixon, Dundy, Fillmore, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Holt, Howard, Kearney, Keith, Keya Paha, Kimball, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, Madison, Merrick, Morrill, Nance, Nuckolls, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Rock, Seward, Sherman, Stanton, Valley, Wayne, Webster, Wheeler and York.

Gov. Heineman's request for federal assistance includes funding requests for generators, shelter assistance and management, volunteer coordination, energy restoration, and other related aspects of disaster response.

http://www.gov.state.ne.us/news/2007_01/03_disaster.html