LINCOLN – Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is acting proactively to mitigate the impact of any flooding that happens along the Missouri River.
On June 24, Pillen declared a state of emergency for those Nebraska counties that abut the river, which will immediately free up state funds and resources, should the need arise.
The proclamation confers authority to Nebraska’s Adjutant General to activate those resources to protect lives and property.
Recent excessive rainfall in eastern South Dakota, northeast Nebraska and northwest Iowa has resulted in severe flooding, road closures and evacuations in affected areas.
Over the weekend, Pillen authorized the deployment of a military helicopter and four-member Nebraska National Army Guard crew to assist the Iowa National Guard in search-and-rescue operations in and around Sioux City, Iowa.
Pillen continues to receive updates from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as to the status of the river affecting the state below Gavins Point Dam.
Both agencies are closely monitoring the impact to communities as the water’s crest continues downstream this week.
Pillen and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds also issued a joint request for people to remain off the river in the coming days, as water levels continue to surpass flood stage.
That urgent message comes following the latest update from emergency management officials and representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Pillen and Reynolds stressed the seriousness of the situation and the need to remain informed and make safety a priority: “Now is not the time to be on the water. In addition to higher-than-normal flow, there’s also the potential for more debris in the water, which poses a significant risk to anyone on the Missouri. It’s best to wait until levels return to normal to resume regular activities.”
Officials on both sides of the river have been closely monitoring conditions along the river and its tributaries since late last week.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has temporarily closed areas affected by the river flooding.
The closures include the riverfront campground and boat ramp at Ponca State Park in northeast Nebraska.
Guests planning a trip to a state park or recreation area along the river should call ahead for the latest conditions.
Ponca State Park may be reached by phone at 402-755-2284. People may find other contact information at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
