Rapid City Will Get $1.35M in Storm Relief Funds

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is providing $1.35 million in public assistance funds to Rapid City, S.D., for debris clean-up from an October blizzard.

State officials say the city is participating in a pilot program through which FEMA reimburses a greater cost share if debris removal is expedited. FEMA provides 85 percent of eligible costs for work completed within 30 days of the disaster, and 80 percent for work completed within 31 to 90 days.

Work completed between 91 and 180 days is reimbursed at the normal 75 percent rate.

The state of South Dakota will provide an additional $159,000, which represents 10 percent of the eligible costs. The city is responsible for the remaining 5 percent.

The payment is the initial award under the presidential disaster declaration.