President Donald Trump has approved Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in Beaufort and 10 other South Carolina counties affected by Hurricane Dorian, according to a release from Governor Henry McMaster’s office.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s 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 Sept. 5, Governor McMaster formally requested a disaster declaration from the White House for Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dillon, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Marion, and Williamsburg counties. His request followed an assessment of damages by representatives of the S.C. Emergency Management Division, local governments, and FEMA.
Under the Public Assistance Program, state agencies, affected local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations 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.
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 the SCEMD Recovery Section will explain procedures for requesting assistance at a series of applicant briefings at locations to be announced soon in the affected areas.
