Lincoln, Neb. – Governor Jim Pillen announced today that he has submitted a request to President Trump, via FEMA, for a federal disaster declaration covering eight Nebraska counties devastated by flooding between Sept. 30 and Oct. 6. The counties named in the request are Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward and Thayer.
Why federal assistance is needed
According to Governor Pillen, preliminary damage assessments already exceed $23 million and are expected to rise as crews continue to evaluate the full impact. The flooding has damaged roadways, bridges, critical infrastructure, schools, public buildings and other essential services across the affected areas.
“I have asked President Trump, through a request submitted to FEMA, to consider the extent of damage resulting from this extraordinary flooding event and to grant a request for public assistance, which will help cover the costs that communities, counties and our Natural Resource Districts will incur through repairs and recovery,” Pillen said in a statement.
Local impacts and rescue efforts
In Omaha, emergency responders reported 80 water rescues, while dozens of similar rescues occurred in Lincoln. Residents in the hardest‑hit neighborhoods have been forced to evacuate homes, and many schools have been closed or delayed while facilities are inspected and repaired.
County officials are coordinating with the Nebraska Department of Emergency Management to prioritize repairs to bridges and highways that are vital for commerce and daily commutes. The state’s Natural Resource Districts are also preparing to address agricultural losses and water‑quality concerns that often follow major flood events.
What a federal disaster declaration means
If FEMA approves the request, the affected counties will become eligible for a range of federal assistance programs, including Public Assistance grants that help local governments and non‑profit organizations cover a portion of the costs for repairing public infrastructure. The declaration could also unlock Individual Assistance for homeowners and small businesses, providing temporary housing, low‑interest loans and other resources.
Governor Pillen emphasized that timely federal support is essential to prevent further economic disruption and to help Nebraskans return to normal life as quickly as possible. “Our communities have shown incredible resilience, but they need the resources that only the federal government can provide to rebuild and recover fully,” he added.
Looking ahead
The governor’s office will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local emergency managers. Updates on the status of the disaster declaration request will be provided as they become available.
Residents in the affected counties are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and official county emergency websites for the latest information on road closures, shelter locations and recovery assistance.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
