Disaster declared for Neb. counties

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster in seven southeastern Nebraska counties hit by a severe wintry storm last month.

The disaster declaration, issued Wednesday by the White House, means federal funding will flow to the state for emergency work and repairs.

The counties to receive funding on a cost-sharing basis are Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee, Richardson and Thayer. They were struck by a storm Nov. 16 and 17 that brought high winds and heavy, wet snow.

Tree limbs were downed, and utility lines and poles were damaged, leaving thousands of customers without power at one point.

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