OMAHA, NE - Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) today visited areas of the Second Congressional District to observe flooding conditions, including an incident command post in King Lake. Douglas County Sheriff Tim Dunning was there as well.
“I want to thank the first responders from Douglas County, Waterloo, Valley, Omaha Fire, Ashland and Council Bluffs, who are braving the cold and water to rescue people,” said Rep. Bacon. “We were there to witness two families who were rescued. One family told me they weren’t expecting the water to rise so quickly.”
Rep. Bacon also joined Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska officials at a press conference to discuss what they had seen, during their travels across the state.
“We grieve for those who have already lost homes, livestock and businesses,” said Rep. Bacon. “And we mourn for with those who lost a loved one, or who have someone missing.”
Also of concern is the wastewater treatment plant in Sarpy County that serves 600,000 people in the Omaha metropolitan.
“It is amazing to see the amount of flooding and how spread out it is compared to the flood of 2011,” added Rep. Bacon. “The NRD is also hard at work trying to stem the flow at the Mission Bridge in Sarpy County. Thanks to John Winkler with the Papio NRD for showing us the damage and precautions they are taking."
The levee by Papio Creek, south of Offutt Air Force Base, is overflowing and the water is nearing the base.
“We personally saw the efforts of local and county first responders who are working to ensure the safety of the base and surrounding areas,” said Rep. Bacon.
If you have been warned to evacuate, please make arrangements to do so before it is too late. If you need help evacuating because of flood waters please call 911. For roads information please call 511 or visit 511.nebraska.gov.
If you would like to help victims you can donate to your local Red Cross chapters by dropping off or mailing donations to your chapters offices and indicating that they are donating to Disaster Relief. That will ensure the funds are used to aid in relief efforts. You can also go to redcross.orgto make a donation.
