Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) visited the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation on Tuesday, calling a recent fire at the tribal school a "disaster."

"I think even a casual observer would come in and say, 'This is a disaster,' " Thune said during a tour of the Crow Creek Tribal School, The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reported.

On the visit, Thune confirmed that the Bureau of Indian Affairs has suggested that the student dorm destroyed by the fire could be salvaged. Thune's comments, and those of tribal leaders, indicate the building is beyond repair.

Thune said he will fight for the BIA to release money to the tribe, which needs $2.3 million for a temporary dorm in time for the fall semester, and between $30 million and $40 million to replace buildings that have been deemed unfit for use by state officials.

Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) will visit the school tomorrow.

Get the Story:
Thune to push for BIA funding (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 5/4)
Thune Tours Crow Creek (KELO 5/3)

Relevant Links:
Crow Creek Tribal School - http://www.crowcreek.k12.sd.us

Related Stories:
Sen. Tim Johnson: BIA school funding fight (5/4)
Crow Creek Tribe needs up to $40M for new schools (5/2)
Editorial: Where were feds when tribe needed help? (5/2)
Crow Creek Tribe needs $2.2M to replace dormitory (4/29)
Wind stirs up another fire at Crow Creek school (4/28)
Crow Creek Tribe to replace dorm destroyed by fire (4/27)
School employees describe rescue of girls from fire (4/26)
Girls saved from fire at Crow Creek school dorm (4/25)