South Dakota Disaster Assistance Reaches $969,405
Release Date: July 23, 1999
Release Number: 1280-17
» More Information on South Dakota Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
RAPID CITY, S.D. -- Disaster assistance has reached close to one million dollars for disaster victims of the early June storms, flooding and tornadoes that hit the Pine Ridge Reservation. Total assistance as of July 22 stands at $969,405.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE SUMMARY
- Monday, August 9 is the last day applications will be accepted from Pine Ridge residents affected by the early June storms, flooding and tornadoes.
- A total of 1,109 people have registered for assistance through FEMA's toll-free registration line.
- $325,726 has been approved for immediate home repair assistance and $59,194 has been approved for rental assistance. FEMA's Disaster Housing Assistance provides funding for essential repairs required to make the residence livable, and for temporary housing accommodations.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $390,600 in low interest loans.
- FEMA inspectors have completed 937 inspections of storm-damaged properties. Two housing inspectors are still in the affected areas assessing damage.
- A total of 1,128 individuals have taken advantage of the services provided by the Disaster Recovery Center in Pine Ridge. Representatives are available to assist applicants with questions about their applications and provide information on available assistance programs.
- Hours of operation until July 30 are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday - Friday
- The DRC will close at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 30
- Forty travel trailers are currently providing temporary housing for families displaced by the disaster. These trailers serve as an interim housing measure until permanent housing becomes available.
- 20 are located in the Lakeside Drive RV Park
- 12 are on private sites
- 8 are at a secondary site in Lone Elk
- A total of 25 mobile homes have arrived on the Pine Ridge Reservation. These units are suitable for extended residency and are being made available to applicants whose homes were severely damaged or completely destroyed by the tornadoes.
- Seven mobile homes have been dispatched to private sites
- The first two families are moving into their mobile homes
- Twenty-two Governor's Homes are currently under construction.
- Fourteen homes have been delivered to a staging area in Pine Ridge
- Groundbreaking for the development of a manufactured home park in Oglala was held on July 14. The park, currently under construction, will provide housing for up to75 units, with additional homes accommodated if needed.
- FEMA has funded a Crisis Counseling grant of $193,885 to provide counseling and other support services to individuals affected by the early June severe storms and tornadoes. The federal Grant reinforces existing disaster crisis counseling and outreach services being provided by the State Division of Mental Health.
- The latest weekly issue of the Disaster Recovery Newsletter will include articles on the closing of the Disaster Recovery Center, the August 9 application deadline and volunteer activities.
- The Salvation Army continues to maintain office space in the Disaster Recovery Center. Those in need of assistance may contact a representative at the following number: Salvation Army 605-867-2950 Ext. 5209
- The American Red Cross consolidated its services and is currently located in the Oglala Recreation Center. Representatives can be reached by calling: American Red Cross 605-867-2926
- The First National Bank of Gordon, NE is still accepting donations to the Oglala Victims Fund. The fund is intended to assist the tribe in responding to its most critical, immediate needs. Additional information is available by calling the bank at 308-282-0050.
- A long-term recovery committee, Pine Ridge Reservation Disaster Recovery Committee, has been established to continue relief efforts. The committee is comprised of non-profit organizations, many currently involved in the recovery effort. Their task will be to identify critical needs still required by disaster victims, and help guide long term recovery efforts on the reservation.
- Shuttle service is still available to transport Pine Ridge Reservation residents to the Disaster Recovery Center. The shuttle serves sites on the reservation, including all CAP (Community Action Program) locations. The shuttle starts its pickup at 10 a.m., with the last trip to the Disaster Recovery Center leaving at 5 p.m.
- Eleven requests for Public Assistance have been received to-date.
- The deadline for filing an application for assistance is August 9
- $325,726 has been approved for immediate home repair assistance
- $59,194 has been approved for rental assistance
- The U. S. Small Business Administration has approved $390,600 in low interest loans
- A $193,885 Crisis Counseling Grant has been received by the South Dakota Department of Human Services
- 1,109 residents have registered for disaster assistance
- A total of 1,085 individuals have visited the Disaster Recovery Center
- FEMA inspectors have completed inspection of 937 storm-damaged properties
- The American Red Cross served more than 35,000 meals
- Nearly 1,600 residents were provided with canteen service by The Salvation Army
- 40 travel trailers are providing temporary housing for families displaced by the disaster
- 25 mobile homes have arrived and are located at a staging area in Pine Ridge
- The first two families are preparing to move into their new mobile homes
- Anyone suffering losses or damage as a result of the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that occurred June 4-18, are encouraged to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-462-9029 or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the speech and hearing impaired. The toll free registration lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- The last day to register for assistance is August 9
After registering for disaster assistance, applicants can call the FEMA Disaster Information Helpline to check the status of their applications or get additional information. The toll-free Helpline number is 1-800-525-0321 or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for persons with hearing or speech impairments. The Helpline is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Last Modified: Monday, 15-Dec-2003 16:51:44