Federal disaster assistance is available for recovery efforts in Nebraska following President Trump’s declaration of a major disaster in the state, said the White House on Thursday. The USDA said farmers and ranchers affected by flooding should contact their local USDA office to see if they qualify for assistance.
The USDA has an array of relief programs, ranging from indemnities for livestock losses and cost-share money for farmland restoration to assistance to local governments for stream bank stabilization and the rehabilitation of utilities and housing. Unofficial estimates of agricultural damage in Nebraska top $800 million.
“While farmers and ranchers in the area are resilient, the pain is real,” said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. “We will do everything in our power at USDA to be as helpful as we possibly can.”
The White House said the presidential declaration named nine eastern Nebraska counties where grants would be available for temporary housing and for home repairs and low-cost loans for property losses. In 65 of the state’s 93 counties, cost-sharing money will be available to local governments for emergency work. “Furthermore, federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide,” said the White House.
On Thursday, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts unveiled a “Nebraska Strong” website, which will serve as a central point where people can request help or offer assistance.