Biden declares major disaster, opens federal funding to Nebraska after tornado outbreak

President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Headquarters, near the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, on April 05, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland. The bridge collapsed after being struck by the 984-foot cargo ship Dali at 1:30 am on March 26. President Biden traveled to Baltimore for an aerial tour of the salvage operation of the bridge and to meet with families of the six victims who were working to repair potholes on the bridge when it collapsed. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

LINCOLN — President Joe Biden officially declared a major disaster exists in Nebraska on Friday, one week after severe storms and tornadoes tore through the state.

Gov. Jim Pillen and Col. John Bolduc of the Nebraska State Patrol flew above the tornado damage Monday, April 29, 2024, including above Elkhorn. (Courtesy of the Nebraska State Patrol)

Biden’s disaster declaration makes federal funding available to affected Nebraskans in Douglas and Washington Counties from the April 26, Arbor Day storms. This can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other recovery programs.

Andrew Meyer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency will oversee federal operations.

Affected residents and business owners can begin applying for assistance by:

• Visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov .
• Calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
• Using the FEMA app .

When applying, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency said to have the following  information available: address with ZIPzip code, condition of the damaged home, insurance information (if available), Society Security Nnumber of one household member, phone number, mailing address or email and bank account information for direct deposit of funds.

Gov. Jim Pillen, in a statement, expressed his appreciation for the expedited declaration, which came just one day after he formally requested the president’s order and federal funding, including $11.5 million for storm damage to public infrastructure.

“This approval will allow Nebraskans affected by the Arbor Day tornadoes to get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Gov. Jim Pillen said in a statement.

“We know that the road to recovery will be a long one, but this declaration will help expedite processes and funding provided through FEMA, to help people take care of both immediate and long-term needs,” he continued.

Funding will also be available to state, tribal and eligible local governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations, on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures. This includes hazard mitigation measures statewide.

FEMA can provide money for the following, which does not have to be repaid for:

• Serious needs, such as food, water, medicine and baby formula.
• Displacement, if residents cannot stay in their home because of damage.
• Home repairs and rental assistance.
• Other needs, such as replacing personal property.

By law, FEMA cannot pay for losses covered by insurance but if insurance will not cover all losses, NEMA said, Nebraskans are encouraged to apply.

Pillen has deployed dozens of Nebraska National Guard members to Douglas County to assist with recovery and security and on Friday ordered more Nebraska State Patrol troopers and Guard members to affected neighborhoods, this time also in Washington County.

FEMA staff will coordinate with state and local governments in the coming days to visit affected neighborhoods. They will assist residents directly and help in continued damage assessments, which could result in more assistance or more counties covered under the disaster declaration.

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