More Than $3.6 Million In FEMA Assistance Provided To South Carolina Applicants For Ice Storm Damages
Release Date: March 14, 2003
Release Number: R4-03-30
Atlanta, GA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that it has provided more than $3.6 million in federal funds to help cover the cost of eligible damages and emergency costs incurred by communities, state agencies and non-profit agencies in last December's ice storm.
According to Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Butler, the funds were made available through FEMA's Public Assistance program in the six designated counties. President Bush issued a major disaster declaration for the state on January 8.
To date, a total of $3,637,360 in federal funds has been obligated. Under the program, which is administered by the State of South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), FEMA provides 75 percent of the eligible costs to reimburse local governments and certain non-profit units for debris removal ($1,792,849), emergency protective measures ($437,479), public utilities ($1,394,443), and repair of public buildings and equipment ($12,589).
"These numbers will continue to increase in the next few weeks as various projects in the Upstate are completed," said Ron Osborne, State Coordinating Officer and SCEMD Director.
To date, more than three-quarters of the project worksheets (PW) have been reviewed, approved and obligated. Disaster officials estimate that more than 100 PWs will be submitted from the 66 applicants who have requested disaster assistance following the ice storm.
"We are continuing to support SCEMD's commitment to restore vital community services, achieve a full and lasting recovery, and reimburse eligible costs so that communities will have the necessary financial resources to face future disasters," said Butler.
The six designated counties are Cherokee, Greenville, Laurens, Spartanburg, Union and York Counties.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 19-Mar-2003 15:48:43