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City outlines $1.7 million preliminary storm damage estimate, seeks state and federal aid
Summary
City staff presented preliminary storm damage estimates (staff cited about $1.7M submitted to the state), reported massive tree debris volumes and building damage, and discussed the state verification and FEMA application process and next steps.
City staff used an emergency‑reporting app to compile preliminary storm‑damage numbers and told commissioners the city had submitted a preliminary estimate of roughly $1.7 million to the state as part of the process to request disaster assistance.
City planner Barry Cranston described a range of damage entries the city uploaded into the app, noting the airport roof damage was among the largest single items and that a large hangar door was estimated separately. "Some of this is absolutely... just a very raw estimate," Cranston said, urging that the figures are for initial state review and will be verified. Cranston reported that, as of July 9, staff had four large tree piles totaling more than 1.6 million cubic feet and that the city expects to exceed 2 million cubic feet of storm wood to handle.
Staff explained the next steps: the county emergency manager will verify the submission, the state will review and then the city will likely submit to federal agencies (FEMA) about a month later; larger repairs may require competitive bidding when items exceed procurement thresholds. Commissioners and staff emphasized documentation, getting competitive quotes and that some high‑cost items (airport, solid waste buildings) will require detailed estimates before repairs.
Public works and parks staff summarized cleanup progress: tree piles have been staged, contractors scheduled for grinding and demolition work, and assistance from neighboring jurisdictions and inmate crews had accelerated removal. The public works lead said crews from Sioux Falls and contractor teams had provided heavy‑lift support and that the city has been providing replacement containers, managing debris traffic, and coordinating with insurance adjusters.
Officials noted that county leaders had already declared an emergency; staff recommended the city continue coordination with the county and state. Cranston and others repeatedly characterized the numbers as preliminary and subject to state verification and federal review. The commission moved into a work session to continue department‑level updates.
