The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced to the public of its intent to reimburse state and local Nebraska governments and agencies, and eligible private non-profit organizations for eligible costs incurred to repair and/or replace facilities damaged by April 2024 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.
The notice applies to Individual Assistance (IA), Public Assistance (PA), and Hazard Mitigation Grant (HMGP) programs.
Sherman County is among those designated as adversely affected by the disasters, being eligible for Public Assistance (PA). Boone, Douglas, Greeley, Howard, and Washington were also named. In a separate notice the counties of Banner, Cheyenne, Dawes, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, and Sioux were also named as eligible for Public Assistance.
In regards to Public Assistance, the notice concerns activities that may affect historic properties; activities that are located in, or affect, wetland areas or the 100-year floodplain; and critical actions within the 500-year floodplain. Such activities may adversely affect historic properties, floodplains, or wetlands, or may result in continuing vulnerability to flood damage.
Activities may include restoring eligible damaged facilities located in a floodplain to pre-disaster condition through:
-Debris removal and disposal;
-Emergency protective measures;
-Repair/replacement of roads, including streets, culverts and bridges;
-Repair/replacement of public dams, reservoirs and channels;
-Repair/replacement of public buildings and related equipment;
-Repair/replacement of public water control facilities, pipes and distribution systems;
-Repair/replacement of public utilities, including sewage treatment plants, sewers and electrical power distribution systems; and
-Repair/replacement of eligible private, non-profit facilities (hospitals, educational centers, emergency and custodial care services, etc.).
Link to the full DR-4778-NE Public Notice
Link to the full DR-4786-NE Public Notice
Those interested can obtain information by writing to
Teri Toye, Regional Environmental Officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region 7, 11224 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131 or by emailing [email protected]. Comments should be sent in writing within 15 days of the date of the notice.
