Columbia, S.C. – In response to Governor Henry McMaster’s request, President Donald Trump declared a major disaster exists in the state of South Carolina and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in 16 counties affected by Hurricane Irma.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Program helps reimburse local governments, state agencies, eligible private non-profit organizations and electric co-operatives for certain expenses they have incurred during large-scale emergencies. Federal disaster aid is not available for individual residents.

On September 28, Governor McMaster formally requested a disaster declaration from the White House for Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Edgefield, Georgetown, Hampton, Jasper, McCormick, Oconee and Pickens counties. His request followed an assessment of damages by representatives of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, affected electric co-operatives and local governments. Additional counties could be added at a later date.

Under the Public Assistance Program, state and affected local governments are eligible to apply for federal funding to pay 75 percent of the approved costs under certain categories such as debris removal and road repair related to the storm. FEMA previously approved reimbursement to State and local governments for costs associated with emergency protective measures taken during Hurricane Irma.

The FEMA Public Assistance program categories are as follows:

Category A: Debris Removal
Category B: Emergency Protective Measures
Category C: Roads and Bridges
Category D: Water Control Facilities
Category E: Buildings and Equipment
Category F: Utilities
Category G: Parks, Recreational Facilities and Other Items

The division of the remaining 25 percent will be determined later. More information about this program can be found here.

The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce - or mitigate - future disaster risks. Funds under this program will be available to state agencies, local governments, and certain non-profit organizations only. A wide variety of potential projects are eligible.

Representatives from SCEMD’s Recovery Section will explain procedures for requesting assistance at a series of applicant briefings at locations to be announced shortly in the affected areas.

For more information, contact Derrec Becker with SCEMD at 803-737-8500.