Gov. Larry Rhoden has signed a disaster declaration seeking FEMA assistance for damages caused by a powerful winter storm.
The windstorm began Dec. 17 and caused widespread damage in the Black Hills area. Winds in the storm exceeded 100 miles per hour. Pennington, Custer and Fall River counties were the most affected, officials say.
To qualify for FEMA assistance, a disaster must cause at least $1.72 million in damage to public property. Rhoden says the latest estimates have exceeded that threshold.
“South Dakotans are strong – and I am proud of all those who stepped up and responded quickly to begin recovery,” Rhoden said in a statement released Wednesday. “Recovery is a team effort, and it is important that state, local, tribal, and federal partners all do their part to help. Requesting FEMA assistance is the next step to ensure our communities have the support they need to fully rebuild.”
If approved by FEMA, public entities that qualify would receive 75% of the cost of repairs from FEMA, 10% from the state, and only 15% of the cost from the county.