Environment

Noem signs order expanding flood relief to Edmunds, Spink counties

SDPB Radio | By SDPB Staff

Published August 8, 2023 at 4:10 PM CDT

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Flood water pooled along the west side of Sioux Conifer Road Thursday (4-13-23) as it moved toward the city of Watertown and points south. — Aerial view of flooding in the Watertown area in April of 2023. While many counties, including Codington, received FEMA disaster funding, not all counties impacted by flooding were eligible for federal relief. An order signed by Gov. Kristi Noem provided assistance to additional counties.

Gov. Kristi Noem has signed an order expanding emergency flood relief to two more counties.

The order, issued Tuesday, allows Edmunds and Spink counties to receive Federal Highway Administration funding to repair damage from spring flooding.

Earlier this year, President Joe Biden signed a presidential disaster declaration addressing the flooding following a request by Noem. That declaration allowed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist 10 counties as well as the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation.

Edmunds and Spink counties incurred damages from spring flooding but did not qualify for FEMA relief. However, the two counties do qualify to receive disaster relief funds from the FHWA, according to Noem's office.