By Scout Nelson
The federal government has approved a major disaster declaration for Nebraska following the historic wildfires that swept across the state in March. The approval provides important financial support to help communities recover from widespread damage to public infrastructure caused by the fires.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen requested the disaster declaration in May after four major wildfires burned more than 800,000 acres and caused nearly $10 million in public infrastructure damage. The approved declaration covers Arthur, Garden, Grant, Lincoln, and Morrill counties, where roads, electrical systems, and other public facilities suffered significant losses.
Governor Pillen welcomed the decision and thanked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and President Donald Trump for supporting Nebraska’s recovery efforts.
“We know that on a personal level, farmers and ranchers are continuing to deal with the devastating aftermath,” Pillen said. “This request will help to ensure that roads are returned to safe and usable condition and that our electrical infrastructure is restored to proper operational standards.”
FEMA disaster assistance provides cost-sharing support to the state, tribal organizations, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Damage assessments completed by FEMA and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) estimate public infrastructure losses at about $9.6 million. Officials report that Garden and Grant counties experience the greatest damage, with roads requiring extensive repairs and sections of the public electrical system needing complete reconstruction.
The federal funding focuses only on public infrastructure. Damage to private property, including burned fencing, lost grazing land, and livestock losses, remains the responsibility of individual landowners. Agricultural organizations encourage producers to apply for federal recovery programs available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Many producers are also using insurance claims, private donations, and property tax relief programs to support recovery.
Jessica Groskopf, regional economist with the University of Nebraska Extension, encourages landowners to keep complete records throughout the recovery process.
Photo Credit: pexels-fauxels
Categories: Minnesota, General, Government & Policy