FEMA Calculates Storm Damage in 25 Counties in South Dakota

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has determined that ice and snow storms hitting South Dakota last November did not cause enough damage to private property to qualify for an overall federal disaster designation, but reimbursement will be made for qualifying areas hit the hardest.

More than 17 claims adjusters and approximately 50 support people with FEMA are processing the field officers’ reports, according to Dennis Lowery of FEMA’s Denver regional office.

FEMA officials said their field work will not be completed until at least February, but that some federal money to replace damaged property would begin to arrive in South Dakota by the end of January.

Early estimates of the damage to 25 counties and two Indian reservations is calculated at approximately $18 mllion. FEMA will funnel its 75 percent reimbursement for the cost of eligible damages directly to the state.

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