U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse and Representatives Jeff Fortenberry, Don Bacon, and Adrian Smith have written to President Donald Trump outlining Nebraska’s request for a federal disaster declaration. Their request comes as a result of storms, which hit the state from June 12-17, 2017.
Over 18 Nebraska counties suffered major damages from six tornadoes, strong winds, and golf-ball-to-baseball-sized hail. The inclement weather resulted in more than $13,780,024 worth of damages across Nebraska. Approval of the disaster declaration would make federal assistance available to areas affected by the storm.
A copy of delegation’s letter to President Trump is below.
President Donald Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We write in support of Governor Pete Ricketts’s request for a major disaster declaration, which followed the storms occurring between June 12-17, for the subsequent eighteen Nebraska counties: Banner, Box Butte, Butler, Cass, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Morrill, Polk, Sarpy, Saunders, Sheridan, Sioux, Thurston, and Wayne. We also support Governor Rickett’s request for Hazard Mitigation statewide.
The strong winds, including six tornadoes and golf-ball-to-baseball-sized hail, produced extensive damage across the state. Public power districts are reporting damages in excess of $13,780,024. The damage included, but is not limited to: electrical distribution infrastructure and facilities throughout the affected areas, public and private property severely damaged by large hail, public and private structures destroyed or severely damaged by straight-line winds and tornados, injury and death to livestock, and irrigation systems damaged or destroyed.
As our communities recover and rebuild, the federal government has a duty to support our state with its restoration efforts.
We appreciate your prompt consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Deb Fischer
United States Senator
Ben Sasse
United States Senator
Jeff Fortenberry
United States Representative
Adrian Smith
United States Representative
Don Bacon
United States Representative