SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Gov. Kristi Noem said the storms, tornadoes and flooding that devastated communities across the state was one of the biggest challenges she faced in her first year in office, in a wide-ranging interview in which she also promised to focus on growing the economy and improving her working relationship with lawmakers in the new year.
The first-term Republican governor called it “a difficult year, all in all, for the state” due to flooding that strained state resources and had her administration working overtime and traveling thousands of miles to respond to disasters. Noem said she had successes, naming her work to encourage foster families, address drug addiction and spread broadband internet access in rural areas.
And she also called herself “teachable,” a nod to some lawmakers who said she failed to communicate well on some policy decisions.
The former congresswoman took office in January last year, and almost as soon as the Legislature ended found herself leading the state’s response to severe storms in March and April that laid the foundation for what seemed a year of flooding.
South Dakota recorded the highest amount of precipitation in its history, beating the previous mark set in 1915. By the end of November, South Dakota already had more than 30 inches (76.2 centimeters) of precipitation, topping 1915’s mark of just under 28 inches (71.12 centimeters), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Floods and tornadoes caused millions of dollars’ worth of damage and the state led the nation in unplanted farmland.
“You’re focused on getting priorities and the state budget passed, and immediately went into getting people through a crisis situation and helping them recover,” Noem said.
The state got four presidential disaster declarations, in addition to the Oglala Sioux Tribe receiving one for storms and flooding. Noem’s administration is offering loans to counties, towns and tribes to fund recovery.
Noem acknowledged concerns about more flooding in 2020 with the forecast calling for a wet winter. That could add to the difficulty for farmers, who left nearly 4 million acres unplanted. The slump in the state’s largest industry affected South Dakota’s economy and budget.
Noem said she’ll respond by focusing on “growing our economy together” next year.
When asked to assess her first year in office, Noem declined to grade herself. She said she wanted to remain “teachable” and acknowledged she could do a better job communicating “so that people know not just what we’re doing, but why and the reason behind it.”
Legislative leaders from both parties said they were sometimes frustrated by a disjointed relationship between Noem’s administration and the Republican-dominated legislature. Senate Majority Leader Kris Langer, a Republican from Dell Rapids, said she felt Noem’s second session would be smoother, with legislation on mental health and addiction treatment in the works and both Noem and majority Republicans in support.
Senate Minority Leader Troy Heinert, D-Mission, worried that the recent departure of the governor’s chief of staff would be a setback heading into the session.
Noem drew national attention in November for the state’s “Meth: We’re on it” campaign, which received some snickers on social media. She defended the campaign, saying it was achieving its goal of drawing attention to a serious problem. Noem said she knew the campaign was “provocative,” but was surprised by the amount of attention it received. She plans to follow the $1.4 million ad campaign with funding for addiction treatment and law enforcement.
To get that funding, the legislature will have to pass it in the budget. The session begins on Jan. 14 when Noem will deliver her second State of the State address.
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