Federal Disaster Aid Approved for South Dakota Tribes Following Spring and Summer Storms

An employee surveys the damage at the Great Outdoor Provision Co. after it was flooded during tropical storm Chantal, Monday, July 7, 28, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward, file)

Northeast News SD – South Dakota - President Donald Trump has approved federal disaster assistance for six states and tribal nations impacted by severe storms and flooding earlier this year—including tribal communities in South Dakota.

The announcement, made Thursday, clears the way for federal funding to support recovery efforts in Kansas, North Carolina, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and tribal governments in Montana and South Dakota. The aid will help cover costs related to infrastructure damage, emergency response, and public services.

South Dakota tribal leaders had submitted their request for federal assistance more than a month ago, part of a growing trend of longer wait times for disaster declarations. A recent Associated Press analysis found that under the current administration, the average wait for approval has stretched to 34 days—up from less than two weeks in the 1990s.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the extended review process reflects “a more thorough evaluation of disaster declaration requests than any Administration has before him,” aimed at ensuring responsible use of federal tax dollars.

While the latest declarations authorize public assistance for local governments and nonprofits, individual aid was only approved for Wisconsin residents. That state saw more than $76 million in combined residential and public sector damage across six counties, though federal assistance was granted for just three.

South Dakota tribal officials have not yet released detailed damage estimates, but the approved declaration is expected to support cleanup and rebuilding efforts in affected areas. The aid does not currently include hazard mitigation funding—a program that helps communities rebuild with greater resilience—which has not been approved since February.

As recovery efforts continue, local leaders across the region are urging federal agencies to expedite future disaster responses and expand support for long-term rebuilding.