FEMA teams assessing damage from ice storms

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – Federal Emergency Management Agency teams are in South Dakota this week assessing damage from last month’s ice storm.

Their report will help Gov. Mike Rounds seek a federal disaster declaration for as many as 29 South Dakota counties and three American Indian reservations in the state.

The late-January ice storm followed by a blizzard left thousands of people without electricity and water.

FEMA will determine whether the counties are eligible for public assistance to help rebuild infrastructure. Residents in four of the counties may also be eligible for individual assistance.