COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – Governor Henry McMaster requested Monday a Presidential Disaster Declaration and a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration for eligible counties as a result of Tropical Storm Debby, which made landfall in South Carolina in August 2024.
The requests follow extensive damage reports that determined more than 900 homes were damaged, with public agency costs and infrastructure damage projected at more than $16 million.
If approved, the Presidential Disaster Declaration would bring FEMA assistance to people in Charleston, Colleton, and Dorchester counties. This could provide financial help to residents whose homes were damaged and who do not have insurance coverage for repairs. FEMA may also offer additional help based on individual needs.
The declaration would also activate the FEMA Public Assistance Program, which helps state and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, recover from the disaster. This 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.