MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) In their regularly schedule County Commission meeting on Tuesday June 25, 2024, the County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution declaring Davison County a disaster area.  This declaration is important for inclusion in the State of South Dakota’s submission for a disaster declaration from the federal government.  With this declaration, Davison County becomes eligible for any federal funds and relief that may come with a federal disaster declaration.

Emergency Management Director Jeff Bathke reported to the Commission about the state of county roads, which he said held up remarkably well considering the pounding of the rain and the flooding Davison County experienced.  Average rainfall for the Mitchell area for the average June total 2.84 inches.  The recent three-day rain event dropped 7.89 inches of rain on Mitchell, according to the National Weather Service.

The James River crested at 23.65 feet and Firesteel Creek crested at 16.89 feet.  Dry Run Creek was two feet higher than the flood of 2019.  Kibbee Ditch was reported to be out of its banks for several miles, causing severe damage to several neighboring residences.

Mr. Bathke did report damage to five bridges in the county, although none of the bridges were washed out completely.  Two culverts will have to be replaced, one of those will cost approximately $40,000.  If a federal disaster declaration is issued, then the federal government will bear 75% of the cost of public infrastructure repairs and replacement with the State of South Dakota responsible for 15% and the local governmental entity, in this case Davison County, on the hook for the remaining 10%.

In addition, twenty-two individuals thus far have reported personal losses of $386,000 from flooding.  Jeff Bathke expects that total to rise as people get a better idea from estimates and insurance companies what their losses are.  Individuals can enter their loss data directly into Crisis Track at https://crisistrack.juvare.com/selfreport/sdoem.jsp?cid=davisonSD&schemald=null&iid=6675aef38ae3c12728e71dba&appId=davisonSD