Disaster Relief

Building partnerships with local governments to provide disaster relief resources and implement programs to mitigate future disasters.

Providing Disaster Relief

• Sixty-three South Dakota counties submitted disaster declarations following the record-breaking storms, tornadoes, and floods that damaged homes, businesses and public infrastructure this year.
• Governor Noem’s budget creates a new loan program for cities, counties, townships, and tribes that will make it possible to apply for loans from the Emergency and Disaster Fund and includes disaster funding for long-term recovery.
• Noem’s budget allocates $9,918,359 to fund disaster relief.
• Loans from the Emergency and Disaster Fund will provide cash flow for infrastructure repairs and assist local governments that demonstrate a need for state support.

Mitigating Future Disasters

• Mitigation plans identify an area’s most likely hazards and document projects that can better protect people and property against similar circumstances.
• Governor Noem’s budget adds state dollars to lower the match requirement for local governments and encourages local participation in mitigation projects.
• The Emergency and Disaster Fund will be used for loans to provide cash flow for mitigation projects.

Highlighting Existing Resources

• Governor Noem is expanding awareness of disaster-related programs available to counties and communities.