Delegation Supports Presidential Disaster Declaration for South Dakota

Press Release

U.S. Senators Tim Johnson (D-SD) and John Thune (R-SD) and Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) made the following comments today after the White House announced that President George W. Bush has declared a major disaster for the State of South Dakota triggering the release of Federal funds to help communities recover from Severe Storms and Flooding which occurred June 2 - 12, 2008:

"When facing severe weather and other natural disasters, we all have to pull together, neighbor helping neighbor. I was pleased to work with the Governor and the delegation on this disaster declaration to ensure that the federal government does its part in helping South Dakotans recover from the severe weather that hit much of our state last month," said Johnson.

"This is welcome news to the people of South Dakota who suffered the effects of recent flooding. I applaud the President for acting quickly on the disaster request from Governor Rounds, which the entire delegation supported to help provide needed assistance," said Thune.

"The severe weather that affected much of South Dakota late this spring has had devastating impacts on communities across the state. I was pleased to work with Tim and John in support of the Governor's request to declare a federal disaster in certain counties and reservations in South Dakota. I encourage communities across South Dakota to act quickly to access funds available to them so they can start the process of recovery," said Herseth Sandlin.

Senators Johnson and Thune and Representative Herseth Sandlin earlier this month sent a letter to President Bush urging him to support a disaster declaration.

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