Sioux Falls Dips into Reserves for Storm Cleanup

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The Sioux Falls City Council is taking $8 million from the city's reserve fund to cover most of the cost of cleaning up from a three-day snow and ice storm in April.

Reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency could replace much of that amount, but city officials are still debating whether to accept federal help.

Some officials believe other disaster-stricken areas of the country could use the money more. Sioux Falls Councilman Kermit Staggers says the storm cleanup in Sioux Falls largely amounted to tree branch cleanup.

City Finance Director Tracy Turbak says if Sioux Falls turns down the FEMA money, it could put itself in a vulnerable situation if a major disaster happened.

The city has about $40 million in its reserve fund.

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