FEMA will cover 90% of eligible Hurricane Helene public assistance costs, up from 75%, Gov. Henry McMaster announced.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — President Donald J. Trump has approved South Carolina’s request to raise the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s cost share for Hurricane Helene public assistance from 75% to 90%, Gov. Henry McMaster announced.
“South Carolina has worked tirelessly to recover and rebuild following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024,” McMaster said. “This increased federal cost share will help reduce the financial burden on South Carolina and our communities as we continue recovery work. We are grateful for this additional federal support and will continue working to ensure South Carolinians have the resources they need to rebuild stronger communities.”
South Carolina Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson said the change will ease the financial load on governments still working through recovery projects.
“South Carolina communities have made significant progress in recovering from Hurricane Helene, but the work is not finished,” Stenson said. “The increased federal cost share provides important financial relief as state and local governments continue completing eligible recovery projects.”
According to the Office of the Governor, FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses eligible state and local governments and certain private nonprofits for disaster-related costs, including debris removal, emergency protective measures, road and bridge repairs, repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, utility repairs, equipment, and disaster management.
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance program helps communities guard against future disaster damage through measures such as elevating flood-prone homes and buildings and voluntary property acquisitions when rebuilding is not feasible, the governor’s office said.
FEMA’s Individual Assistance programs have provided $334 million to more than 250,000 disaster survivors, and state, local and nonprofit programs are supporting more than 1,000 residential repair projects, according to the governor’s office.
Based on a release from Office of the Governor.
