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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

PRESIDENT DECLARES FEDERAL DISASTER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Assistance for Those Affected By Severe April 18-20 Winter Storm

June 6, 2006, Washington, D.C. - Late yesterday, President George W. Bush declared a major disaster for the State of South Dakota in response to the severe winter storm that occurred April 18-20, 2006. Rep. Stephanie Herseth joined the rest of the South Dakota delegation in writing to the president on May 15th, 2006 to request assistance for affected areas, following the Governor's request.

This declaration triggers the release of federal funds to help communities recover, and includes both Public Assistance for qualified counties as well Hazard Mitigation. The following counties are eligible for Public Assistance: Bennett, Butte, Harding, Jackson, Meade, and Perkins. All counties are eligible to apply for Hazard Mitigation, which is assistance to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long- term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

Rep. Herseth said, "I am pleased that the president has responded to our request and made needed resources available to communities for recovery. This was a particularly severe storm, which required a swift and strong response, and I hope that this assistance will help families, businesses, schools and businesses to complete their recovery."

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