Rep. Noem tours South Dakota flood areas

KSFY.com

By Jake Iversen

Representative Kristi Noem was in Sioux Falls Friday morning to get briefed on the flooding situation in Minnehaha County.

Representative Noem has been meeting with emergency managers all over Eastern South Dakota to get a full grasp of the flooding that is impacting roads, homes, and people across the state.

With water levels rising daily, Representative Noem is putting her boots on the ground to get a true flood perspective.

“We do have record flooding, massive flooding and property damage and in some areas it’s the second year in a row. It’s something to be addressed and right now funds are low.” Said Representative Noem.

In her tour, Representative Noem witnessed infrastructure that is taking a beating from the surging floods and she is concerned that smaller communities may find it difficult to rebuild when the waters ultimately recede.

“In these small towns and communities a lot of them don’t have the funds anymore and their roads have been washed away so it is going to be a struggle.” Said Representative Noem.

Representative Noem was briefed on the flooding situation by Minnehaha County officials on Friday and is proud of government agencies that have taken measures to limit or help prevent flooding.

Several other flooded areas weren’t able to raise levees but that doesn’t mean they aren’t prepared.

“As you drive around, you see communities stepping up and helping one another and that’s what it’s going to take to get through this, is cooperation being willing to help your neighbor when they need it.” Said Representative Noem.

In many communities across the state, that time to lend a helping hand may be coming more sooner than later.

“The big question is where do we go from here and everybody has their fingers crossed and hop we do have good weather so we can mate this situation as favorable as possible.” Said Representative Noem.

Representative Noem toured the flooded town of Renner on Friday evening and will be in Brookings on Saturday.

Read more at Kristi Noem for Congress