Storms, straight-line winds and flooding hit South Dakota between June 16 and July 8, 2024. President Joe Biden has now declared a major disaster in the state and ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal and local recovery work in the affected areas.
Individuals in four counties, Davison, Lincoln, Turner and Union, can now receive federal money. It can cover grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and other programs meant to help homeowners and business owners get back on their feet.
Public-sector help in 25 counties
A wider group of counties qualifies for a different kind of aid. State, tribal and eligible local governments, along with certain private nonprofit organizations, can draw federal funds for emergency work and for repairing or replacing damaged facilities. The government pays part of the cost and the recipient covers the rest. The counties are Aurora, Bennett, Bon Homme, Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Clay, Davison, Douglas, Gregory, Hand, Hanson, Hutchinson, Jackson, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn, Tripp, Turner, Union and Yankton.
Money for hazard mitigation, on the same cost-sharing basis, is available across the whole state.
Who is running the response
Edwin J. Martin of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
The list may grow. Further designations could follow if the state asks for them and later damage assessments warrant it.
Residents and business owners with losses in a designated area can apply at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or through the FEMA App. People who use a relay service, such as video relay or captioned telephone service, can give FEMA that service’s number. Reporters can reach the FEMA news desk at (202) 646-3272.
Sources
Sources
- Biden declares emergency for California due to winter storms
- President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves South Dakota Disaster …
