Counties Try To Count Flood Damaged Property

LAKE POINSETT, SD - Codington and Hamlin Counties are in the process of adding up all the damage across both counties. Once all the damage is documented and tallied, it could lead the way to federal help.

South Dakota townships and counties are strapped for cash. Flooding is taking over new roads and property every day.  There is still no estimate to just how much it will cost to repair all the problems, but officials have started the process.

A tour of Charles Arneson's lakefront home at Lake Poinsett reveals there's simply too much water. You'll find several inches in most of the home.  Wednesday, an insurance adjuster was documenting the damage.

"I’ve had insurance for several years and finally going to collect it, I guess. The whole neighborhood right here, all the neighbors, we're all flooded," Arneson said.

Nobody knows exactly how much property has been harmed around Lake Poinsett or in other flood-ravaged areas. But to get an idea of exactly how many houses, cabins and other property have been damaged by this springtime flooding, Hamlin and Codington County officials have teamed up. They're asking anyone with damage to call a hotline. They'll take that information to the state. The state can take that information to the Federal Government.

"It’s a great idea. They've got to all do it. That's all there is to it. If we're going to get any help, everybody has got to make the effort," John Nelson said.

John and Liz Nelson have already made their claim to the county. So has Arneson. They hope everyone else is taking this opportunity seriously because there is plenty of damage that won't just take time to fix, it will also take money.

“Fix the roads. The road out here is terrible, you can't get through," Arneson said.

"There's just no question. We've got to have help. So everybody should fill out the form," Nelson said.

The hotline number for those with flood damage in Hamlin and Codington County is 605-882-6272. However, those who have already filled out forms for the county don't need to call the number as their claim has been made.

Click on the play button below to see more of the damage around Lake Poinsett.