WESSINGTON, S.D. (AP) – The state says reports on the condition of the Rose Hill Dam filed in 2007 and 2008 did not indicate the Hand County structure was at risk for failure. The earthen dam was breached during heavy rain on July 29th. Floodwaters swept away two men who had to cling to a tree until they could be rescued. One of the men was hospitalized. State Game Fish and Parks engineer Jeff Peters says officials were satisfied with the condition of the dam during the earlier inspections. He says the breach was caused by an extraordinary natural event and not by structural weakness in the Dam. An estimated 9 inches of rain fell during the storm. State officials estimate it could take 1-million dollars or more to rebuild the dam. A federal disaster declaration has been made by Governor Mike Rounds for the storm. If approved, 75-percent of the repair costs for the Dam could be covered by federal funds.
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