News Summary
Following Hurricane Helene’s devastation, South Carolina plans to allocate nearly $200 million for recovery and home repair efforts. The funds will primarily focus on rebuilding homes in the hardest-hit counties, with strict guidelines for federal fund distribution ensuring aid reaches the most affected communities. The state aims to support families in greatest need and enhance resilience against future storms, as applications for federal aid are expected to open soon.
Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina is set to allocate nearly $200 million for recovery and home repair efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which struck the state on September 27, 2024. The storm was the deadliest in the state’s history, resulting in the tragic loss of 49 lives and causing severe infrastructure damage across western and central regions, with some areas experiencing over 21 inches of rain in just three days.
In response to the extensive damage, the state’s Office of Resilience has proposed a spending plan that aims to rebuild or repair approximately 900 homes affected by the hurricane. The recovery efforts will primarily focus on the hardest-hit counties, including Greenville, Abbeville, McCormick, Edgefield, and Orangeburg, where a substantial portion of the funds will be directed. More than 80% of the $150 million received from U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is earmarked for housing recovery, with $110.7 million specifically designated for repairs and replacements in these areas.
The recovery framework includes strict guidelines imposed by HUD, stating that no more than 20% of federal funds can be allocated to counties that were less impacted by the storm. This stipulation guides the distribution of resources to support those communities that faced the greatest challenges.
In addition to the HUD funds, the South Carolina Legislature has approved $40 million to replenish disaster recovery funds aimed at assisting counties that are not eligible for federal aid. This approach ensures that every affected area can utilize available resources toward their recovery efforts.
Priority for the recovery initiatives will focus on families with the greatest need, especially those earning at or below 30% of the area’s median income. For instance, in Greenville County, families with incomes below $29,000 will qualify for assistance while, in Orangeburg County, the threshold is set at less than $20,400. The state plans to invest up to $225,000 for the complete rebuilding of homes and $75,000 for repairs not covered by insurance.
The new homes will feature designs aimed at being more resilient to storms, including reinforced roofs and hurricane-resistant windows. Properties located in flood-prone areas will be elevated to mitigate future risks. Mobile home owners will receive replacements that align with their land ownership status, either in the form of standard homes or additional mobile homes.
The Office of Resilience anticipates that applications for federal aid will begin to be accepted around late August, with a goal of starting the rebuilding of up to 200 homes soon thereafter. Furthermore, the state has committed $13 million towards buying out homes that have been repeatedly flooded, which will aid in preventing future disaster-related losses.
To assist rental property owners affected by the storm, the state is allocating $7.5 million to those who maintain affordable rent levels for five years while making repairs. Approximately 40% of the applications for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid were submitted by renters impacted by the hurricane, further underscoring the extensive reach of the disaster.
In addition to state and federal recovery actions, various volunteer organizations are being enlisted to assist in the repair and rebuilding efforts, ensuring that recovery funds are utilized effectively. The One SC Fund has been reactivated for this disaster, raising over $5 million to support housing recovery efforts and facilitate community volunteering and donations.
Hurricane Helene is estimated to have caused billions in damage statewide, resulting in widespread tree damage, power outages affecting approximately 7.4 million customers, and significant disruption to travel due to blocked roads and infrastructure challenges.
The coordinated recovery efforts reflect a comprehensive response aimed at restoring affected communities and enhancing resilience against future disasters, prioritizing support for the most vulnerable households in South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- GoLaurens: Hurricane Helene Recovery
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- WYFF4: Hurricane Helene Final Report
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene 2024
- Greenville Online: Hurricane Helene Updates
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene
- WISTV: Hurricane Helene Destructive Path
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- Greenville Journal: 2024 Rewind Hurricane Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene Recovery
