Governments and Nonprofits in Abbeville, Newberry, and Saluda Now Eligible to Receive Federal Aid​ 

Columbia, S.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved three additional counties for the Public Assistance Program following Hurricane Irma. Governments and certain nonprofits in Abbeville, Newberry and Saluda counties are now able to receive federal reimbursement for eligible costs related to the storm.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Program helps reimburse local governments, state agencies, and eligible private non-profit organizations 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. 16 counties were previously approved for Public Assistance: 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.

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.

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.

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