FEMA Commits First Initial Disaster Funds For South Dakota Storm Recovery

Release Date: August 17, 2004 Release Number: 1531-003

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has committed initial federal funding of $151,000 to local governments in the declared counties of South Dakota for repairing damage to public infrastructure caused by severe storms and floods between May 28 to June 16, 2004.

“It is important to understand that when natural disasters overwhelm local governments’ abilities to cover the costs of recovery, there is a federal public assistance program in place to provide the necessary support,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Justin DeMello.

On July 20, President Bush declared the Rosebud Reservation and eight South Dakota counties federal disaster areas. The counties included Haakon, Jackson, Marshall, Mellette, Minnehaha, Todd, Tripp and Turner. On July 28 Yankton County was added to the declaration.

"I want to again thank President Bush for his support to South Dakota," said Governor Mike Rounds. "This money provides a real shot in the arm to those who need to get public infrastructure repaired before winter."

Over the past two weeks, FEMA Public Assistance Coordinators (PACs) have held 40 briefings with local officials in all nine counties and the Rosebud Reservation. These PACs have been documenting damage and estimating repair costs.

“Our coordinators continue to hold briefings, inspections and writing up project worksheets for damaged roads, facilities, and structures in all the declared areas,” said DeMello. “Our goal is to have all inspections finished by the end of August."

FEMA’s Public Assistance program funds 75 percent of reimbursements to local entities, while 25 percent of non-federal costs are divided among state and local governments. Disaster officials have estimated that the total federal and state disaster aid to local governments here will eventually approach $1 million.

Such eligible reimbursement costs may include debris removal; immediate protective measures, including overtime pay for emergency workers; repair of roads and bridges; repair of water control facilities; repair of public buildings and equipment; repair of public utilities; and repair of recreational facilities such as parks.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.