U.S. Senator John Thune says he supports Governor Dennis Daugaard’s request for federal disaster assistance. Thune says the request for federal funds stems from a strong thunderstorm that blew through southeast South Dakota about a month ago. He says the money is for clean-up and reconstruction efforts.
Although hundreds of volunteers have stepped-up to provide food, shelter, and assistance to those in need – Thune says that may not be enough.
“We also know that without federal assistance the local resources are going to face significant challenges. So that’s why this last week I sent a letter, along with the other members of the Congressional delegation, to President Obama supporting Governor Daugaard’s Presidential Disaster Declaration request for Gerald, Lincoln, and Union counties,” says Thune.
Thune says the letter asks the President to declare a major disaster for relevant areas of the state and requests that he expedite any federal disaster assistance to those impacted counties. Thune says he will continue to monitor the situation.