Emergency Relief (ER) Program

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Emergency Relief (ER) Program is a federal aid initiative designed to assist Local Public Agencies (LPAs) in Nebraska with the reimbursement of costs incurred for the repair of Federal Aid (FA) routes damaged during disaster events. Managed in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), this program is triggered when a disaster of sufficient magnitude results in a federal or state disaster declaration and at least $700,000 in damages to FA routes across Nebraska. The guide provided by NDOT outlines the entire process for LPAs to access these funds, from damage assessment through to final reimbursement, and is intended as a supplement to the FHWA ER Manual. The purpose of the ER Program is to stabilize and restore FA routes affected by disasters such as flooding, severe storms, or other catastrophic events. Two types of repairs are eligible under this program: emergency repairs, which seek to reduce damage, ensure safety, and restore essential traffic immediately after an event; and permanent repairs, which aim to restore damaged routes to pre-disaster conditions. Emergency repairs are eligible for up to 100% reimbursement if completed within 270 days of the disaster event, while permanent repairs (or delayed emergency repairs) are eligible for up to 80% reimbursement, with the local agency responsible for the remaining 20% cost-share. Eligibility is limited to routes designated as Federal Aid roads, as defined by NDOT's functional classification maps. Emergency repairs that meet one or more criteria—minimizing damage, protecting facilities, or restoring traffic—may begin immediately but require documentation and pre-authorization by NDOT and FHWA. LPAs must collect and submit thorough records, including geocoded photographs, repair estimates, timesheets, equipment logs, and procurement documentation. Sites must meet a minimum $5,000 damage threshold for inclusion in the ER program. For permanent repairs, detailed cost estimates, environmental review, and full project authorization are required before work begins. The reimbursement process involves a two-step procedure: LPAs first compile and submit all documentation related to the repair work via the NDOT Disaster Damage Portal. Once NDOT reviews and determines the eligibility, LPAs are required to submit a final signed cost breakdown, county resolution, and official reimbursement request on letterhead. NDOT then reviews the full packet and submits it to FHWA for funding approval. Reimbursement cannot be issued until NEPA environmental compliance is confirmed, even for emergency work. The NDOT ER Program Guide emphasizes the importance of pre-disaster planning, including maintaining up-to-date inventories of FA route conditions and developing unit-cost pricing lists to facilitate rapid response. A wide range of example documents are included in the appendices, such as sample letters, repair worksheets, right-of-entry forms, and contracting guidance (including FHWA-1273 requirements). LPAs are expected to work closely with NDOT throughout each phase of the program—assessment, inspection, and reimbursement—to ensure federal aid compliance and funding eligibility. For assistance or questions regarding the ER Program, the primary contact is Paul Kieper of NDOT’s Local Assistance Division. He can be reached at 402-479-3944 or paul.kieper@nebraska.gov. LPAs are encouraged to review the guide annually and to maintain readiness by proactively documenting FA routes and potential points of failure prior to any disaster declaration. The most recent version of the guide is applicable for the 2025 spring season and references the July 2024 FHWA emergency repair guidance for eligibility and compliance.

Begin documenting early. Ensure FHWA-1273 is in contracts. Retain copies of all materials.