NEWS
FROM FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE Contact:
Julianne Fisher, 202-224-1638
SD
Delegation Supports Governor’s Request and
Washington, DC – With Governor Rounds' preliminary damage assessment from the recent flood now completed in conjunction with FEMA, U.S. Senators Tim Johnson (D-SD) and John Thune (R-SD) and U.S. Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) today called upon President George W. Bush to declare a large portion of South Dakota a major disaster area and asked the President to instruct federal agencies to expedite the delivery of all forms of federal disaster assistance. “This is the next hurdle to cross in the effort to get assistance to South Dakotans after the devastating flooding earlier this month. Last week, I encouraged the USDA to release rural development funds through the 504 housing program to help homeowners facing water damage. I’ve stayed in constant touch with staff on this and hope the President moves quickly to deliver this necessary aid,” said U.S. Senator Tim Johnson. “I applaud the Governor's effort to request federal assistance on behalf of the South Dakotans recently affected by the severe flooding. I have seen the damage first-hand and spoken to many individuals and families who will need help in rebuilding their lives. Together with the delegation, I will do everything I can at the federal level to make sure this assistance is approved and delivered in a timely manner,” said U.S. Senator John Thune. "This request for federal assistance is a necessary and appropriate response to the substantial damage caused by severe storms across Eastern South Dakota. I toured the damage in Aberdeen and rural Brown County recently, and it is clear that a very large number of families, farms and businesses will be in great need in coming months. Last week, during a meeting at the White House, I raised this issue specifically with the President's top advisors, and I am hopeful the Administration will respond favorably and quickly to this request," said Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin.
Full Letter to the President follows:
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Washington, DC 331 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2801 Fax: (202) 225-5823 |
Sioux
Falls 326 East 8th Street, Suite 108 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Phone: (605) 367-8371 Fax: (605) 367-8373 Toll Free: (866) 371-8747 |
Rapid
City 343 Quincy Street Rapid City, SD 57702 Phone: (605) 394-5280 Fax: (605) 394-5282 |
Aberdeen 121 Fourth Avenue SW,
Suite 1 |