Bennett County declares natural disaster after severe storm damage

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the aftermath of severe storm damage in Bennett County, South Dakota, highlighting the need for federal assistance to address the extensive destruction. The storm has caused significant damage to public infrastructure, private properties, and the local power grid, prompting the Bennett County Commissioners to declare a natural disaster.

Key discussions centered around the limitations of current assistance programs. While there was hope for individual assistance for residents affected by hail damage, officials confirmed that only public assistance for infrastructure and nonprofits would be available. This has raised concerns about the financial burden on residents who may lack the resources to recover from the disaster.

FEMA has been in contact with local authorities regarding disaster relief, with discussions indicating that federal funding could cover up to 75% of the costs, with the state contributing an additional 10-15%. However, local officials emphasized that the county would need to cover a 10% match, which could strain their already limited financial resources.

The board of county commissioners unanimously resolved that the storm damage constitutes a natural disaster of such severity that effective response is beyond the capabilities of both the county and the state. They called for immediate federal assistance to help alleviate the situation, underscoring the urgency of the matter as they move forward with formal motions to secure the necessary aid.