WASHINGTON D.C.- President Joe Biden approved federal disaster aid Wednesday for parts of Nebraska pummeled by an unprecedented December storm.

The declaration makes federal dollars available to certain entities, including the state and eligible local governments, for emergency work or to help them repair or replace facilities damaged during the storm, according to the White House. The declaration applies to 25 counties, including Sarpy County.

It also makes federal funding available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

The state did not qualify for a program that makes assistance available to individuals.

Nebraska saw more than 27 tornadoes within a three-hour time span and its first-ever winter derecho on Dec. 15. A derecho is a series of long-lived straight-line winds.

Biden’s declaration came a day after Nebraska’s congressional declaration submitted a letter requesting that the president approve the aid. Their letter pegged the damage estimate in the state at $6.79 million.

The White House noted that additional designations could be made at a later date if requested by the state and backed up by further damage assessments.

For the full article click HERE