Washington, D.C. — 

U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on the devastating snowstorm in western South Dakota last weekend:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families in western South Dakota recovering from the devastating losses of the early snowstorm this weekend. I have received many reports of property damage and significant livestock losses throughout western South Dakota. My office is working to identify resources and assistance that may be available to those who have been impacted.”

South Dakota ranchers with livestock losses due to the devastating snowstorm over the weekend should carefully certify losses in the event federal assistance becomes available. Certification can include second party certification, rendering receipts, photos or video with date stamp of dead livestock, calving/lambing records, or purchase records to verify the number of livestock owned on the day prior to the snowstorm.