President Signs Disaster Declaration For Tornado And Flood Damage

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration for South Dakota ordering federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from June 13 to June 20.  Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in 12 counties including Jerauld, Lincoln, Minnehaha, Ziebach and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe within Corson County.  The federal money may be used for emergency work and for repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding. Federal funding is also available for statewide hazard mitigation measures.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency says additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.  Meanwhile,  Small Business Administration outreach centers set up in three South Dakota cities to help victims of severe storms last month are closing this week.  The SBA issued a disaster declaration earlier this month for South Dakota homes and businesses impacted by flooding and a tornado in mid-June. The declaration made SBA low-interest loans available in several counties.  The state Department of Public Safety says the center in Elk Point will close Tuesday afternoon. The centers in Wessington Springs and Canton will close Thursday afternoon.