I have said all along that Rounds doesn’t care what happens on the reservations, he has repeatly thumbed his nose at them, more proof;
When a natural disaster occurs that is beyond a state’s ability to cope, federal law provides that the governor may issue a declaration of disaster to that effect, which triggers the process of allowing federal funds and other aid to flow into the affected state. Â This process speeds recovery, and frequently saves lives.
A number of South Dakota reservations are currently in just such a state of crisis as a result of two solid months of unusually extreme winter weather. Â People’s lives are at risk.
So why has the Rounds administration failed to take the necessary steps to secure such federal funding for the reservations?
Here’s what FEMA says (24+ / 0-)
The Governor’s request is made through the regional FEMA office. State and Federal officials conduct a preliminary damage assessment (PDA) to estimate the extent of the disaster and its impact on individuals and public facilities. This information is included in the Governor’s request to show that the disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the local governments and that Federal assistance is necessary. Normally, the PDA is completed prior to the submission of the Governor’s request. However, when an obviously severe or catastrophic event occurs, the Governor’s request may be submitted prior to the PDA. Nonetheless, the Governor must still make the request.
As part of the request, the Governor must take appropriate action under State law and direct execution of the State’s emergency plan. The Governor shall furnish information on the nature and amount of State and local resources that have been or will be committed to alleviating the results of the disaster, provide an estimate of the amount and severity of damage and the impact on the private and public sector, and provide an estimate of the type and amount of assistance needed under the Stafford Act. In addition, the Governor will need to certify that, for the current disaster, State and local government obligations and expenditures (of which State commitments must be a significant proportion) will comply with all applicable cost-sharing requirements. [FEMA website]
We don’t know if SD followed its emergency plan because we could not find a copy of the state plan on the state emergency management website. Â this lack of transparency is a drawback from the standpoint of accountability. Â In addition, it prevents the public from reviewing the state plan to see how it fits with their needs and personal or business preparations. Â In disaster response, surprises are not a good thing.