After other requests denied, officials urge Trump to grant disaster aid for Nebraska storms

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska’s congressional delegation urged President Donald Trump on Thursday to grant the disaster relief request for last month’s blizzard and severe thunderstorms.

In a letter to the president, they called the system “one of the most destructive winter storms” in recent history.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has recently denied disaster requests in other states, including Arkansas, where tornadoes caused widespread damage and three deaths.

SEE ALSO: Norris restores power to almost all customers after worst winter storm damage since ‘76

Don Miller, a Lincoln man who had his house struck by a tree in the storms on March 18-19, said the relief money would go a long way.

“It’s really important for me, at my age,” Miller said. “I’ve got limited funds to operate this house.”

Miller estimates he has at least $10,000 worth of damage.

He is hopeful that insurance will cover most of the damage, but if not, he’ll have to pay out of pocket.

SEE ALSO: Gov. Pillen declares emergency in 24 Nebraska counties after blizzard

According to Gov. Jim Pillen’s office, the storms inflicted over $64.8 million in damage. Most of that was to utility companies.

Channel 8 reached out to several area utilities to ask about the impact of the relief money but has not received a response.

There’s no word on if or when the funding would be approved.

PHOTOS: Blizzard pounds Nebraska