South Dakota seeks federal disaster aid for storm damage in eight counties and two reservations

South Dakota is seeking a presidential major-disaster declaration for an estimated $4,564,928 in preliminary public-property damage from a storm sequence that affected the state from June 28 through July 3, 2026. As of Aug. 15, no federal approval had been confirmed, so requested repair reimbursement remains unavailable and the filing does not authorize household assistance.

Gov. Larry Rhoden submitted the request July 27 for Beadle, Bennett, Buffalo, Day, Hand, Hughes, Hyde and Stanley counties, along with the Crow Creek and Lower Brule reservations. The request covers damage associated with a June 29 mini-derecho, a tornado and a historic windstorm.

Public infrastructure is the focus

The state’s preliminary estimate includes damage to roads, power systems, parks, recreation areas and public facilities. Hyde County reported about $2.8 million in damage, while Beadle County reported nearly $900,000. Those two counties account for more than 80% of the preliminary total, according to the governor’s request.

Highmore recorded wind gusts of up to 131 mph during the storm sequence. The measurement is being evaluated for possible state and national records; it has not been described as a final record.

State officials said the June 29 storm downed trees and power lines and damaged public infrastructure. The Storm Prediction Center has classified that storm as a mini-derecho.

How the proposed funding would work

If the declaration is approved and projects meet federal eligibility rules, the requested Public Assistance funding would use a proposed cost share of 75% federal money, 10% state money and 15% local money. That arrangement would leave local governments responsible for a portion of eligible repair costs.

The request also seeks access to Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for future projects intended to reduce damage from similar disasters. The proposed assistance would not automatically cover every storm-related expense, private loss, agricultural damage or utility cost.

What residents should understand

Rhoden’s request is primarily for public infrastructure, not an automatic payment program for households. Individual Assistance is a separate process that may provide help for eligible housing, personal property, transportation, medical, dental and funeral expenses after a presidential declaration and a separate designation.

South Dakota’s disaster-recovery guidance explains that preliminary damage assessments document needs before a presidential request is made. Any assistance would still depend on federal action, program rules and verification of damage or necessary expenses.

Federal decision is the next step

FEMA and the president must act on South Dakota’s request before the proposed Public Assistance program becomes available. Until then, the $4,564,928 figure remains a preliminary state and local estimate rather than a final audited award, and counties, tribal governments and other public entities are not guaranteed reimbursement.

Sources

• South Dakota governor’s disaster declaration request
• Dakota News Now report on the federal aid request
• South Dakota disaster recovery and Individual Assistance guidance
• FEMA disaster declarations