South Carolina, September 25, 2025
News Summary
FEMA has allocated almost $7 million for disaster recovery efforts in South Carolina, part of a broader $12.7 million funding initiative across the Southeast. Hilton Head Island will receive $2.1 million for a beach restoration project. Additional funds will support emergency protective measures and efforts for Hurricane Dorian and Hurricane Helene. However, Beaufort County’s flood mitigation projects face threats due to federal funding terminations and uncertainty surrounding future funding programs.
Columbia, SC — Nearly $7 million in FEMA aid has been allocated for disaster recovery operations in South Carolina. This is part of a larger funding initiative where a total of $12.7 million in FEMA funding has been allocated for multiple operations across the Southeast.
Among the significant allocations, Hilton Head Island will receive $2.1 million specifically designated for the Hilton Head Island Beach Restoration Project. These funds are intended to permanently repair the damage caused by Hurricane Dorian. Additionally, the South Carolina Office of the Adjutant General is slated to receive $3.4 million for emergency protective measures, which include essential operations like debris clearance and emergency search and rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
An extra $1.3 million will be allocated to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety to support further emergency protective measures related to Hurricane Helene. FEMA has confirmed that it will reimburse costs at a federal share of no less than 75% through its Public Assistance program, ensuring that states have financial resources to recover from disasters effectively.
However, Beaufort County’s flood mitigation efforts are currently under threat due to the federal government’s decision to terminate five projects and the increasing uncertainty surrounding funding programs. The recent end of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program has further complicated scenarios for multiple project applications. From 2020 to 2023, Beaufort County and municipalities such as Hilton Head and Bluffton submitted ten projects aimed at flood mitigation and disaster risk reduction, categorized under both BRIC and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) programs.
The BRIC program is designed to support a variety of natural disaster mitigation projects, while the FMA program specifically focuses on flood mitigation for properties insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. Recent reports indicate that any unused BRIC funds will be returned to the Disaster Relief Fund or U.S. Treasury, following directives aimed at reducing government spending.
Currently, most of the submitted projects remain under long-term review, with several already denied despite their substantial potential for high returns on investment. As of 2023, Beaufort County has requested $220,000 in federal funds through the FMA program for a mitigation reconstruction project within a flood hazard area. Historical data shows that from 2020-2022, multiple FMA projects were tied to initiatives involving residential structure elevation and mitigation reconstruction.
Several BRIC projects have faced termination or failed to meet funding requirements, including a $476,700 project aimed at flood control in the Jarvis Creek System. Similarly, Bluffton had a project intended for funding through the now-defunct BRIC program that focused on evaluating flood mitigation strategies. The Pidgeon Point Project in the City of Beaufort, which requested $226,800 for future flood mitigation studies, is also no longer eligible for federal funding.
In a related note, current wildfires in South Carolina have reportedly burned over 1,600 acres, raising concerns about the state’s federal assistance capabilities. Although social media posts claim FEMA response teams face travel limitations due to reduced funds, these remain unverified at this time. Meanwhile, FEMA representatives are in Columbia promoting recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, while they are aware of the ongoing wildfire situation, they are not actively involved in the assistance efforts.
In an effort to address local environmental concerns, Hilton Head Island has successfully removed 11 abandoned and derelict boats from local waterways through increased state cleanup resources. State laws have recently been adjusted to allow for quicker removal of these abandoned vessels while imposing stricter penalties for individuals leaving boats behind. Residents are encouraged to report sightings of abandoned or derelict boats through the MYHHI app.
FAQ
What is the total amount of FEMA aid allocated for South Carolina?
Nearly $7 million in FEMA aid has been allocated for disaster recovery operations in South Carolina.
How much funding is allocated to Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island will receive $2.1 million earmarked for the Hilton Head Island Beach Restoration Project.
What programs are affected by the termination of the BRIC program?
The termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program impacted multiple project applications regarding flood mitigation and disaster risk reduction.
What types of projects have been submitted by Beaufort County since 2020?
From 2020 to 2023, Beaufort County and municipalities like Hilton Head and Bluffton submitted ten projects aimed at flood mitigation and disaster risk reduction.
Key Features of FEMA Aid Allocation
| Area | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Total Funding | $7 million | Disaster recovery operations |
| Hilton Head Island | $2.1 million | Beach Restoration Project |
| South Carolina Office of the Adjutant General | $3.4 million | Emergency protective measures |
| South Carolina Department of Public Safety | $1.3 million | Emergency protective measures |
| Beaufort County Projects | Varied | Flood mitigation and disaster risk reduction |
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: FEMA Providing Nearly $7 Million for Disaster Recovery in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: FEMA
- Island Packet: Hurricane Recovery Updates
- Google Search: Disaster Recovery FEMA
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News on Recovery Efforts
- Google Scholar: Disaster Recovery South Carolina
- SC Daily Gazette: Historic Payouts for Hurricane Helene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood Mitigation
- Fox News: FEMA Workers & Cleanup Efforts
- Google News: South Carolina Wildfires 2023
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
