FEMA, SBA provide nearly $78 million for Nebraska recovery

Six weeks after the federal disaster declaration for the severe winter storm, straight-line winds and flooding, Nebraskans have already received $77.6 million in funds to aid in recovery.
The funds include grants to households from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), claims payments from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
“This is a major milestone in our collective effort to support Nebraskans in their recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Constance Johnson-Cage.
These funds are going directly to citizens impacted by the storms after the President declared the disaster. This will help Nebraskans get started rebuilding their lives. The speed of this assistance is historic for Nebraska, he said.
As of May 9:
• FEMA has approved more than $19.3 million in grants for housing assistance, including emergency home repairs, replacement and rental assistance for eligible individuals and families in 27 counties.
• FEMA has approved $ 2.38 million in grants for replacement of essential personal property and help with medical, dental, legal and other disaster-related expenses.
• NFIP paid approximately $26.5 million to policyholders in payments to expedite the recovery process.
• SBA approved more than $29.5 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.
In addition, FEMA’s Public Assistance Program approves funding to reimburse the costs for local and state agencies of debris removal and emergency response.
Recovery activities continue. The State of Nebraska is leading a Housing Task Force in partnership with FEMA and other agencies to address housing shortages and unmet needs in Nebraska communities affected by flooding. The state is conducting applicant briefings for public entities applying for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. FEMA continues to process applications for Individual Assistance. Communities are removing flood debris.
The state and FEMA are planning hazard mitigation actions that will reduce the potential for damage from future storms.

 

The Imperial Republican

308-882-4453 (Phone)

622 Broadway St

PO Box 727

Imperial, NE 69033