PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The hazard mitigation plan developed by the State of South Dakota has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Department of Public Safety spokesman Tony Mangan says it could help the state with future disaster funding.

Mangan says only 13 states have been approved for the program.

Mangan says under the program the state may be able to make improvements to head off the worst of natural disasters.

Mitigation could include removing homes from flood plains, raising highways and burying powerlines.