HOST: A severe winter storm in early April left millions of dollars in damage for eight western Nebraska counties. Those counties are now receiving federal assistance for recovery efforts. Nebraska Public Media’s Sarah Lawlor has more. 052924 Disaster declaration voicer.wav: (48 s)President Joe Biden is declaring a major disaster exists in eight Nebraska counties affected by storms in April. The counties include Banner, Cheyenne, Dawes, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff and Sioux. The April storm included thunderstorms, freezing rain, snow and heavy winds. At least $10.5 million in initial damages were reported, according to a press release from Governor Jim Pillen. The costs are mainly for downed power lines and power poles.