Four counties declared federal disaster areas
As volunteers poured Tuesday into tornado-pummeled Hallam, Gov. Mike Johanns announced its residents are eligible for a different kind of help — federal money.
Victims in four storm-ravaged Southeast Nebraska counties can today apply for federal aid, according to the White House press office.
On Tuesday, President Bush approved Johanns' request to issue a disaster declaration for Lancaster, Gage, Saline and Cass counties.
Nebraska senators and House members also had lobbied for the declaration.
A day earlier, a Federal Emergency Management Agency official toured storm-damaged areas with Johanns and U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel.
Among the aid expected to be available: federally subsidized loans to replace homes and businesses, grants of up to $25,600 to help repair or replace homes, and expanded food stamp eligibility.
Other counties could be added to the declaration, Johanns said.
FEMA plans to open a disaster recovery center near Hallam, where applicants will be interviewed and screened to determine what programs they qualify for.
No concrete monetary figures were available Tuesday on storm damage, but Johanns said a preliminary estimate just for public power districts totals $8.5 million — and he expects that number to climb.
Keep in mind that tornadoes leveled at least 158 homes, seriously damaged at least 57 others and tore apart the Norris school.
B.J. Fictum, Saline County's emergency management coordinator, estimated damage to private property in the county was more than $10 million.
So federal relief is good news, he said.
"It's good to see the federal government does realize we have disasters in a little state called Nebraska, not just in New York and Florida," Fictum said.
U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson traveled to Hallam late Tuesday to offer his sympathy and encouragement, stopping to visit with people salvaging their belongings and informing them Bush had cleared the way for disaster assistance.
As she removed belongings from what was left of her battered house, Tammy Pope told Nelson she's determined to stay in Hallam.
"We're OK," she said. "All the kids and animals are OK. I've talked to only two families who are planning on leaving."
Gordon Sovereign, who survived Saturday night's tornado by holding onto a toilet while he lay on the floor as his house collapsed around him, thinks he'll rebuild.
The toilet stood undamaged in a pile of rubble that used to be his home.
"I was blessed," Sovereign told Nelson. "We're still missing a dog and a cat, but I haven't given up hope for them."
Nelson said the total devastation was "worse than I had expected," but he was inspired by the optimism and resiliency of the people of Hallam.
"They're uplifting," he said. "To bounce back in three days from this terrible blow speaks so well of them. We'll do anything we can to help."
Some people who need help are those left without jobs — also Tuesday, Johanns announced victims who became unemployed because of recent storms, tornadoes and flooding are eligible for federal unemployment disaster assistance.
This assistance provides benefits to those not covered under the state's regular unemployment insurance program.
Those eligible include self-employed and farm workers, and those whose workplace closed because of storm damage.
Reach Leah Thorsen at 473-7246 or lthorsen@journalstar.com. Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com.
Victims in four storm-ravaged Southeast Nebraska counties can today apply for federal aid, according to the White House press office.
On Tuesday, President Bush approved Johanns' request to issue a disaster declaration for Lancaster, Gage, Saline and Cass counties.
Nebraska senators and House members also had lobbied for the declaration.
A day earlier, a Federal Emergency Management Agency official toured storm-damaged areas with Johanns and U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel.
Among the aid expected to be available: federally subsidized loans to replace homes and businesses, grants of up to $25,600 to help repair or replace homes, and expanded food stamp eligibility.
Other counties could be added to the declaration, Johanns said.
FEMA plans to open a disaster recovery center near Hallam, where applicants will be interviewed and screened to determine what programs they qualify for.
No concrete monetary figures were available Tuesday on storm damage, but Johanns said a preliminary estimate just for public power districts totals $8.5 million — and he expects that number to climb.
Keep in mind that tornadoes leveled at least 158 homes, seriously damaged at least 57 others and tore apart the Norris school.
B.J. Fictum, Saline County's emergency management coordinator, estimated damage to private property in the county was more than $10 million.
So federal relief is good news, he said.
"It's good to see the federal government does realize we have disasters in a little state called Nebraska, not just in New York and Florida," Fictum said.
U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson traveled to Hallam late Tuesday to offer his sympathy and encouragement, stopping to visit with people salvaging their belongings and informing them Bush had cleared the way for disaster assistance.
As she removed belongings from what was left of her battered house, Tammy Pope told Nelson she's determined to stay in Hallam.
"We're OK," she said. "All the kids and animals are OK. I've talked to only two families who are planning on leaving."
Gordon Sovereign, who survived Saturday night's tornado by holding onto a toilet while he lay on the floor as his house collapsed around him, thinks he'll rebuild.
The toilet stood undamaged in a pile of rubble that used to be his home.
"I was blessed," Sovereign told Nelson. "We're still missing a dog and a cat, but I haven't given up hope for them."
Nelson said the total devastation was "worse than I had expected," but he was inspired by the optimism and resiliency of the people of Hallam.
"They're uplifting," he said. "To bounce back in three days from this terrible blow speaks so well of them. We'll do anything we can to help."
Some people who need help are those left without jobs — also Tuesday, Johanns announced victims who became unemployed because of recent storms, tornadoes and flooding are eligible for federal unemployment disaster assistance.
This assistance provides benefits to those not covered under the state's regular unemployment insurance program.
Those eligible include self-employed and farm workers, and those whose workplace closed because of storm damage.
Reach Leah Thorsen at 473-7246 or lthorsen@journalstar.com. Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com.
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