Washington, DC —
Senator John Thune today toured parts of Southeastern South Dakota that were heavily impacted by the recent winter storm. Thune surveyed the damage, and visited with local officials to ensure they are receiving the aid they need to continue to help South Dakotans in their area recover.
"Today I had the chance to tour a number of communities that were hit hardest by the storm. Unfortunately, life has been disrupted for thousands of South Dakotans, and many remain without power today," Thune said. "I spoke with local officials and mayors from several towns, including Tyndall, Pickstown and Avon. They are working around the clock to ensure that power is restored and that families and businesses are safe and can return to their regular routines as soon as possible.
"Our state government has done everything in its capacity to respond to this storm, recover and rebuild. But the scope and severity of this storm's impact require additional assistance from the federal level. I have joined Senator Johnson and Representative Herseth in sending a letter to President Bush supporting Governor Rounds' request for a presidential disaster declaration for the state. I will continue to push for federal aid and will work to see that every family and business is provided the necessary resources and assistance to recover from the storm's damage."
Senator Thune met with Bon Homme County Commissioners, Mayor Russell Bechtold of Avon, and members of the Yankton Sioux Tribal Council Business and Claims Committee. He surveyed damage throughout the Southeastern part of the state, including Charles Mix and Bon Homme counties.
"Today I had the chance to tour a number of communities that were hit hardest by the storm. Unfortunately, life has been disrupted for thousands of South Dakotans, and many remain without power today," Thune said. "I spoke with local officials and mayors from several towns, including Tyndall, Pickstown and Avon. They are working around the clock to ensure that power is restored and that families and businesses are safe and can return to their regular routines as soon as possible.
"Our state government has done everything in its capacity to respond to this storm, recover and rebuild. But the scope and severity of this storm's impact require additional assistance from the federal level. I have joined Senator Johnson and Representative Herseth in sending a letter to President Bush supporting Governor Rounds' request for a presidential disaster declaration for the state. I will continue to push for federal aid and will work to see that every family and business is provided the necessary resources and assistance to recover from the storm's damage."
Senator Thune met with Bon Homme County Commissioners, Mayor Russell Bechtold of Avon, and members of the Yankton Sioux Tribal Council Business and Claims Committee. He surveyed damage throughout the Southeastern part of the state, including Charles Mix and Bon Homme counties.
