FEMA Boosts Disaster Aid to 98% for Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Flood Recovery in Lake Traverse Reservation
- Steve Jurrens
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Sisseton, SD - Federal officials have increased disaster assistance for the Sisseton‑Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation, providing a significant boost to ongoing recovery efforts following the severe storms and flooding that struck the region June 12–16, 2025.
FEMA’s Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, Robert Fenton, announced that President Donald J. Trump authorized an enhanced federal cost share for Public Assistance, raising the federal portion to 98% of all eligible costs. The adjustment substantially reduces the financial burden on the Tribal Nation as it continues repairing damaged infrastructure and restoring essential services.
The expanded aid builds on the major disaster declaration issued on September 12, 2025, which made federal funding available for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance.
According to the declaration, assistance for individuals may include
“grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low‑cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.”
Federal support also covers emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the storms. FEMA named Edwin J. Martin as the Federal Coordinating Officer for recovery operations, noting that additional designations may be made if requested by the Tribal Nation.
The storms and flooding caused widespread damage across the Lake Traverse Reservation, prompting the Tribal Nation to seek federal assistance to help residents, businesses, and community facilities recover.
With the new cost‑share adjustment, Tribal officials say they expect faster progress on critical repairs and long‑term mitigation projects aimed at strengthening resilience against future severe weather.
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