As South Dakota communities face flooding and begin rebuilding, Governor Kristi Noem announced she is not activating the National Guard. Emergency management teams, the American Red Cross, and local fire rescues are responding.
Noem stated that counties must request National Guard assistance, and it is typically a measure for severe crises due to its high cost.
Democratic Rep. Linda Duba questioned this decision, highlighting the use of the Emergency Disaster Fund.
Noem emphasized that federal aid requires a $1.6 million property loss threshold, which has been met, ensuring 75% federal coverage of costs.
Meanwhile, Minnesota has activated its National Guard for flooding.
Noem announced the deployment of South Dakota National Guard troops to the southern border this past February, marking the fifth such deployment under her administration.
Sixty soldiers were deployed on a rolling basis over three months, primarily focusing on constructing a border wall to combat illegal immigration, drug cartels, and human trafficking.