Public and Individual Assistance for storm damage, response costs approved for additional counties
October 28, 2015
Survivors can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Disaster assistance applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing should call 800-462-7585 (TTY); those who use Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
In addition, four counties were approved for all categories of Public Assistance to help them recover from October’s severe flooding: Allendale, Beaufort, Lancaster, and Marlboro. This assistance from FEMA enables state agencies, local governments and certain private non-profits to recoup costs for storm response, debris removal, and infrastructure damage.
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 FEMA Public Assistance program is a reimbursement grant program. Typically, the federal share is 75 percent and the state or local governments pay the remaining 25 percent whereas eligible private non-profit groups are responsible for the full 25 percent.
To date, FEMA has approved 24 South Carolina counties for Individual Assistance and 34 South Carolina counties for Public Assistance.
