By The Associated Press | Posted: Tuesday, July 6, 2010 9:25 am

The Journal Star

NORFOLK -- Sen. Mike Johanns told Norfolk area residents that he'll push federal officials for a quick federal disaster declaration.

The Nebraska  Republican said in a news release after his tour Monday that he was impressed by how well Norfolk and the surrounding area had responded to the flood damage.

Last week Gov. Dave Heineman asked for federal aid to help communities recover from the rain, flooding and tornadoes that moved through Nebraska last month, causing more than $16 million damage to public infrastructure.

Heineman seeks a disaster declaration in 53 of Nebraska's 93 counties.

After Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., toured flood-ravaged parts of Norfolk and Neligh, he said he'd seek swift federal action.