This will be short since there is a lot of attention on other issues tonight and tomorrow.
But since I've diaried about the disconnect between term-limited outgoing SD Gov. Mike Round's pronouncement of a "Year of Unity" with Native American leaders this month while not making the disaster declaration needed to release federal funds after a devastating series of blizzards and ice-storms hit his state in December and January, let me announce that:
Today he did.
"The state estimates the late December blizzard caused more than $1 million in damage. Rounds is seeking public disaster aid for 12 counties and two reservations that were hardest hit.
Last month’s ice storm, which brought down miles of power lines, is estimated to have caused $22.5 million in damages. Rounds is seeking public disaster aid for 29 counties and three reservations, and private aid for seven counties and two reservations."
Aji in the diary "Why is S.D. Gov. Mike Rounds Denying Federal Aid to Indian Reservations in Crisis?" 16 Feb. included this quote:
"Another member of our team, Kossack no way lack of brain, has been sending wonderfully detailed e-mails to public officials at all levels - and received tjhe following response from S.D. Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard:
Thanks for your email, and for your concern. I know Governor Rounds
has been working to assist the reservations with the problems caused
by the severe weather, and we both would welcome FEMA assistance. Our
ability to declare a disaster has been limited recently by the
requirement that a weather event must now be a "record" event, and
that resultant costs exceed $1 million."
Well, to the surprise of no one here - the million dollar threshold was reached.
Navajo and other members of the Native American Netroots have continued to
provide ways for us to help directly. Keith Olbermann picked up the story and raised public awareness. The response was immediate. The Rapid City Journal on 19 Feb. editorialized:
THE GOOD: More than $350,000 in donations have come pouring in from Americans and from matching foundation grants to help the victims of a devastating winter storm that hit Jan. 21 on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, thanks to a national plea from MSNBC's Keith Olbermann.
THE BAD: More than 15,000 residents on the reservation struggled without electricity, water or heat in the days and weeks following the ice storm.
THE UGLY: Ongoing housing needs caused by damaged water pipes and broken propane heaters will require costly repairs in the months to come.