Central South Dakota News

U.S. Senators Mike Rounds and John Thune, along with U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson, have requested President Biden to issue a major disaster declaration for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. The request follows extreme weather events, including strong winds, that occurred on July 13-14, 2024.

"While the final cost of the disaster is not yet determined, costs associated with the disaster exceed the Tribe's ability to pay and meets the threshold for federal assistance," wrote the delegation. "We support the Tribe's request and urge you to approve a major disaster declaration as soon as possible so that the necessary federal resources are available to assist the impacted Tribal areas."

The letter details severe weather starting on July 13 that included wind gusts up to 108 mph and heavy rainfalls. This caused extensive damage to utility and road infrastructure, including culverts. Numerous homes and businesses were damaged or completely lost. Critical infrastructure such as public safety facilities also suffered significant damage, including partial loss of telecommunications systems.

The delegation emphasized their support for the Tribe's request and urged prompt approval of a major disaster declaration to provide necessary federal resources for recovery efforts.

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