(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman received word today from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that President George W. Bush approved his request for a disaster declaration for parts of Nebraska damaged by storms that struck between the end of May and the first half of June.

“I appreciate the quick action of the President and FEMA officials in approving our request for a federal disaster declaration within one week,” Gov. Heineman said.

The President approved federal emergency funding for the 53 counties included in the Governor’s request for public assistance. The disaster declaration also approves individual assistance for 13 of the 21 counties included in last week’s request to federal officials.

Individual property owners in approved counties will be able to apply for federal assistance with cleanup and repairs to homes and businesses. FEMA will coordinate community meetings in the weeks to come to help residents begin the application process.

The 13 counties approved for individual assistance include: Buffalo, Butler, Colfax, Dawson, Douglas, Gage, Hamilton, Jefferson, Kearney, Platte, Richardson, Sarpy, and Saunders Counties.

Al Berndt, assistant director of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, said “Our staff has been working with FEMA teams for several weeks now and the fact that we’ve got a joint operations center already up and running means we’re a step ahead. That will help as we finish disaster evaluations in a few remaining areas and begin to work on the reimbursement process for damages to homes and businesses in approved counties.”

 The federal emergency funding provides assistance to state and local government agencies, as well as qualified private nonprofit organizations for disaster recovery efforts.