Gov. McMaster makes disaster declaration requests after tropical storm

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – An Upstate county is among 12 counties that have been impacted by Tropical Storm Debby, and Governor Henry McMaster is asking for federal assistance for the Palmetto State.

On Monday, Gov. McMaster requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration , as well as a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster declaration for counties as a result of the tropical storm, which made landfall in South Carolina in August.

Extensive damage reports determined more than 900 homes were damaged. Public agency costs and infrastructure damage are projected at costing more than $16 million.

If approved, the Presidential Disaster Declaration would bring FEMA assistance to people in Charleston, Colleton, and Dorchester counties.

Assistance could mean financial help for residents whose homes were damaged or do not have insurance coverage for repairs. FEMA can also offer additional help based on individual needs.

Additionally, the declaration would activate the FEMA Public Assistance Program, which helps state and local governments and certain non-profit organizations recover from the disaster.

The program covers 75% of recovery costs, while the state and other agencies will decide how to cover the remaining 25%.

Public assistance would be available in 12 counties: Bamberg, Barnwell, Berkeley, Colleton, Dillon, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Orangeburg, and Union .

Gov. McMaster also asked for a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster declaration for Berkeley and Orangeburg counties.

If granted, residents and businesses would be able to apply for low-interest loans to help with storm-related expenses.

More South Carolina counties could be added as the recovery process continues.

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