Washington, DC —  Senator John Thune made the following statement today regarding President Bush’s announcement to declare a major disaster for the State of South Dakota, which triggers the release of federal funds to help communities recover from the severe winter storm that occurred November 27 – 29, 2005:

"This is welcome news. I'm glad to see the Administration responded to our request and granted these needed emergency funds. The towns, counties and state officials can use these funds to help with the lingering effects of this winter's terrible storm."

Twenty-five counties were designated for public assistance and all counties for hazard mitigation.