The following news release was issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with the Office of the Governor.

For Immediate Release:  July 25, 2001
Media Contacts:
Bob Mercer, Office of the Governor (605) 773-3231
Jim Chesnutt, Federal Emergency Management Agency (303) 235-4948

Federal Grant Awarded to Fund Tornado Shelters

(Denver) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and South Dakota Governor Bill Janklow today announced the approval of a $949,797 grant to help fund tornado shelters at seven South Dakota State Recreation Areas.

"South Dakotans have long enjoyed the great outdoors," said Joe M. Allbaugh, FEMA Director. "But the state’s scenic beauty is rivaled only by its unpredictable weather and this project will ensure that people spending time at these parks will have a safe place to go in inclement weather."

"President Bush and Director Joe Allbaugh should be commended for recognizing our needs in South Dakota and for their willingness to approve an innovative way to increase public safety by building tornado shelters that will double as public comfort stations at these boat landings, beaches and camping areas along the Missouri River," Gov. Bill Janklow said.

The project consists of the installation of eight tornado shelters at seven state recreation areas. The approximately 800 square foot shelters will also serve as comfort stations. The locations include: Buryanek Recreation Area, Chief White Crane Recreation Area, Indian Creek Recreation Area, North Point Recreation Area, Okobojo Recreation Area, Snake Creek Recreation Area, and West Bend Recreation Area.

"This is a huge opportunity for the state Game, Fish and Parks Department to make some much-needed improvements to these federal recreation areas which the state recently acquired. President Bush and Director Allbaugh showed real foresight by helping us increase the public safety and the convenience at these facilities which will be used by thousands and thousands of South Dakotans and our guests visiting this beautiful river," Janklow said.

The funds, representing 75% of the estimated $1,266,396 project cost, are being provided through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The HMGP is designed to help break the cycle of damage and repair common in areas prone to disaster.

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Editor’s Note: Disaster updates and information on program policies are available on the World Wide Web at http://www.fema.gov. For 24-hour access to FEMA fact sheets and news releases, call FEMA Fax-on-Demand: (202) 646-FEMA, or the FEMA Radio Network Newsfeed, at 1-800-323-5248.