President approves SD disaster declaration

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – Twenty-nine counties and three American Indian reservations in South Dakota that were hit by a late January ice storm will get recovery help from the federal government.

Gov. Mike Rounds says President Barack Obama has issued a disaster declaration, clearing the way for financial assistance.

The federal aid will be available to help with repairs to public infrastructure. Rounds says a state request for individual assistance was denied.

The storm left thousands of people without power and caused an estimated $22.5 million in damages.

A presidential disaster declaration also was issued this week to help 12 South Dakota counties and two reservations recover from a Christmas blizzard.