WASHINGTON— U.S. Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD) issued the following statement after the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) amended the South Dakota disaster declaration to include individual assistance late last night.  This means individuals from select counties impacted by flooding will be able to apply for support through FEMA.

“This is the right decision by FEMA and I am glad they went back and took another look after we pushed the issue and provided more information,” said Noem.

FEMA Individual Assistance came up last week at Rep. Noem’s flood round table meeting with House Transportation Chairman John Mica (R-FL) in Pierre.  Reps. Noem and Mica said they would pursue the issue further following that meeting. 

Governor Dennis Daugaard offered praise for Representative Noem’s role in the flood response. 

“I appreciated Rep. Noem’s support as we worked with FEMA to obtain individual assistance,” said Governor Daugaard.  “Bringing Chairman Mica to Pierre helped both the Congressman and FEMA to understand what South Dakota faced this year.”

“Many South Dakotans lives have been turned upside down due to this year’s flooding.  FEMA individual assistance, along with other federal, state, local and non-governmental support, will help get our communities back on track after the flooding,” said Noem.

Those affected by the disaster should register for Individual Assistance by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585, or online at www.disasterassistance.gov.