Noem is not activating the National Guard to respond to the recent flooding saying it’s too expensive, but was able to send guard as $1.3 million gift for border assistance to Texas
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — As people continue to evacuate flooded areas and some begin to rebuild their communities, Governor Kristi Noem said she is not activating the National Guard to respond to the recent flooding.
Emergency management teams, the American Red Cross and local fire rescues are a few organizations that have responded to surrounding areas. Noem said counties must request assistance from the National Guard. The governor then decides if it should be warranted.
“That’s usually a very crisis situation. And the National Guard is extremely expensive. So, if you do activate the National Guard, then the local county has to pay for that response,” Gov. Noem said in a press conference on Tuesday.
Democratic Rep. Linda Duba from Sioux Falls questions the decision. She posted on X that a situation like this is what the Emergency Disaster Fund is for.
“We have to be wise with how we use our soldiers. And this was a situation where our community was pretty well prepared, and that wasn’t necessary to activate them at this time,” Noem said.
She added that a loss of $1.6 million in property is required for FEMA to provide federal assistance. She said that amount has been surpassed.
“75% of the costs will be covered by the federal government. 15% of the costs will be covered by the state, and then 10% is the local share,” Noem said.
The National Guard has already been activated in Minnesota to respond to flooding.
