Gov. Pillen requests federal disaster declaration for recent flooding

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen announced that he has requested a federal disaster declaration due to the flooding in certain Nebraska counties from Sept. 30 through Oct. 6.

The request is for eight counties: Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward and Thayer.

“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. 

According to Pillen, preliminary damage assessments have already exceeded $23 million and could go higher.

Counties saw damage to roadways, bridges, infrastructure, schools, public buildings and more.

In Omaha, there was 80 water rescues reported and dozens in Lincoln.