FEMA Reports More Than $1M in Disaster Aid to Upstate South Carolina

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported that more than $1,082,000 in federal ice storm disaster aid has been approved for government entities including special purpose districts and certain private non-profit organizations.

President George W. Bush, at the request of South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, signed a major disaster declaration on Jan. 20, triggering federal aid to seven counties hard-hit by the Dec. 15-16, 2005 ice storm.

“Although the majority of debris from fallen trees has been removed, these funds will help communities deal with the piles of bills that remain,” said Marianne Jackson, federal coordinating officer for FEMA’s disaster recovery effort, from the State/FEMA field office in Greenville.

Disaster funding announced for the seven counties and state agencies:

*Anderson $94,136
* Cherokee $361,048
* Greenville $45,085
* Laurens $12,596
* Oconee $187,838
* Pickens $316,781
* Spartanburg $52,847
* State Agencies $11,890

FEMA is reimbursing applicants for 75 percent of total eligible costs for emergency work such as debris removal and necessary repairs to permanent structures.

The State of South Carolina will determine how the non-federal share (25 percent) is split with the applicants. The state’s payment processing for eligible applicants with approved projects will begin shortly. Applicants must comply with state accounting requirements to include returning State Applicant’s Agreements and related expense documents prior to release of any funds. Any potential applicant that has not done so must submit a Request for Public Assistance prior to Feb. 21.