U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) sent a letter to President Joe Biden in support of Governor Jim Pillen’s (R-Neb.) request for a major disaster declaration for areas impacted by severe storms from July 31 to August 1, 2024.
During that time period, severe thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy rain caused extensive damage across the state. Overall, the storms inflicted over $34.6 million in damage to public infrastructure in impacted counties.
Specifically, Governor Pillen’s request follows storms that affected Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Saunders, and Sarpy counties.
A copy of the delegation’s letter to President Biden is below and a signed copy is available here.
President Joe Biden
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We write in support of Governor Jim Pillen’s request for a major disaster declaration, which followed the storms occurring on July 31 and August 1, 2024, for the Nebraska counties of Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Saunders, and Sarpy.
Severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, and heavy rain caused extensive damage across the state. Overall, the storms inflicted over $34.6 million in damages to Nebraska’s electrical distribution infrastructure, businesses, and homes.
Nebraska has faced a series of severe storms throughout this year. Each time, Nebraskans have proved their resilience in the face of disaster. We encourage the federal government to join with the state in these restoration efforts.
We stand ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions.