500 E. Capitol Ave.

Pierre, SD 57501

(605) 773-3212

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, August 20, 2007

CONTACT: Mitch Krebs or Roxy Everson, 773-3212

 

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds has declared a state of emergency exists in South Dakota because of heavy rainfall, flooding and damaging hail and has authorized state government resources to be coordinated by the Department of Public Safety, Office of Emergency Management.

 

“When viewing the area after the flood waters receded, two things became obvious, there was more damage than originally thought and we were fortunate not to have lost any lives,” said Gov. Rounds. “It’s time for the state to help the approximately 50 affected families. I commend the local emergency management teams for their successful operation.”

 

The governor added, “This emergency declaration allows the state to access emergency funds and help the local community with clean-up and infrastructure repairs.”

 

By signing Executive Order 2007-20, under the provisions of SDCL 33-15, otherwise known as the Emergency Management law, state government can utilize available resources in support of local government efforts in the protection of lives and property in the affected counties.

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Executive Order follows:

 

 

WHEREAS, Since August 17^th, 2007, the state of South Dakota has been impacted by heavy rainfall, flooding and damaging hail in South Dakota; and,

 

WHEREAS, Heavy rainfall, flooding and damaging hail have caused extensive damage to homes and spread debris throughout the flood path; and,

 

WHEREAS, Flooding has caused widespread debris on road infrastructure and has interrupted the normal flow of emergency traffic; and,

 

WHEREAS, Heavy rains and flooding have caused widespread home flooding; and,

 

WHEREAS, Dozens of citizens have been displaced by the devastation of the heavy rainfall and flooding;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, M. MICHAEL ROUNDS, Governor of the State of South Dakota, under provisions of SDCL 33-15, otherwise known as the Emergency Management law, do hereby declare a state of emergency to exist in South Dakota.

 

IT IS FURTHER DECLARED, That resources available within state government will be utilized under coordination of the Department of Public Safety, Office of Emergency Management, in support of local government efforts in the protection of lives and property in the affected counties.

 

Dated in Pierre, South Dakota, this 20^th day of August, 2007.

 

 

 

 

Attest

Chris Nelson, Secretary of State