FEMA Allocates $7 Million for Disaster Recovery in South Carolina

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, September 26, 2025

News Summary

FEMA has allocated nearly $7 million for disaster recovery in South Carolina, part of a larger $12.7 million package for the Southeastern U.S. This funding focuses on hurricane recovery, including the Hilton Head Island Beach Restoration Project. Additionally, emergency protective measures and flood risk mitigation are prioritized as climate change poses increasing risks in the region.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Nearly $7 million in FEMA aid has been allocated for disaster recovery operations in South Carolina as part of a larger package of $12.7 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aimed at several operations across the Southeastern U.S. This funding is directed towards addressing the aftermath of hurricanes and improving flood risk mitigation in the region.

The allocation includes $2.1 million for the Hilton Head Island Beach Restoration Project, which is specifically focused on repairing damage caused by Hurricane Dorian. Additionally, the South Carolina Office of the Adjutant General will receive $3.4 million dedicated to emergency protective measures, including debris clearance, emergency search and rescue support, and aid distribution following Hurricane Helene. Another $1.3 million is earmarked for the South Carolina Department of Public Safety for similar emergency protective measures due to Hurricane Helene.

FEMA is reimbursing these costs at a federal share of no less than 75% through its Public Assistance program. The recent funding comes at a critical time as severe storms, heavy rainfall, and continuous development have heightened the risk of flooding within the Lowcountry region.

In 2021, Hilton Head Island adopted new Flood Insurance Rate Maps, marking the first update of these maps since 1986. This update notably decreased the areas classified as high-risk by FEMA, with approximately 75% of properties that were previously categorized as high-risk now designated as low- to moderate-risk. Consequently, nearly half of the households in Hilton Head could potentially reduce or eliminate their flood insurance as a result of the updated maps.

Before the 2021 map updates, there were over 26,300 federal flood insurance policies in Hilton Head, with around 22,000 located in high-risk areas. By 2024, the number of flood insurance policies on the island is projected to decrease to approximately 23,700. Although the revised maps have reduced some flood risks, local officials express concerns that these designations may not accurately reflect the current flood hazards, especially following recent tragic flood events in neighboring states like North Carolina and Texas.

FEMA’s flood maps, which are developed using historical data, may not consider the effect of recent climate changes and significant storms like Hurricane Matthew and Tropical Storm Irma. These maps utilize a letter code to classify flood zones, with zones beginning with ‘X’ representing low- to moderate-risk areas while those starting with ‘A’ or ‘V’ are deemed higher risk.

In Beaufort County, an estimated 21,084 properties could be adversely affected by a “100-year flood event,” with projections predicting that this figure could grow to 24,584 properties within the next 30 years due to climate change. FEMA’s flood maps also specify base flood elevation levels, essential for determining construction standards and insurance premiums. Despite the lowered base flood elevations on the new maps, Hilton Head has implemented additional building codes to enforce higher construction elevations.

However, many critical flood mitigation initiatives within Beaufort County face jeopardy due to federal funding cuts, including the abolishment of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. Local municipalities have submitted ten flood mitigation projects for review between 2020 and 2023, yet concerns linger about the accuracy of new flood zone designations and the potential underrepresentation of actual flood risks.

It is important for residents to note that homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Hilton Head is included in the National Flood Insurance Program, which allows residents to access federal flood insurance, contingent on compliance with floodplain management policies. Despite local officials urging caution regarding the risks of flooding, residents show a growing inclination to drop their flood insurance based on the updated maps.

Notably, numerous flood insurance claims arise from properties outside high-risk zones, highlighting the unpredictable nature of flooding. As climate-driven events become more common, mental health professionals stress the importance of continuous support for those impacted by disasters, particularly as the psychological impacts of such events can be profound.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

FEMA Allocates Nearly $7 Million for South Carolina Disaster Recovery
Hilton Head Residents Question Flood Insurance After FEMA Changes
Severe Flash Flooding in Ruidoso
North Carolina Taxpayers Receive Extended Deadline Due to Hurricane Helene
North Carolina Tax Deadline Extended for Hurricane Helene Victims
Severe Flash Flooding Devastates Wheeling Community
Tragic Flash Flooding Claims More Lives in San Antonio
North Carolina Faces Power Restoration Challenges Following Hurricane Helene
Trump Administration Proposes Major Changes to FEMA
South Carolina Residents Get More Time for Disaster Loans

Additional Resources

• WALB: FEMA Providing Nearly $7 Million for Disaster Recovery in South Carolina
• Wikipedia: FEMA
• Island Packet: Local Environmental News
• Google Search: Hilton Head Island
• Island Packet: Weather News
• Google Scholar: Disaster Recovery
• Island Packet: South Carolina News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Climate Change
• Island Packet: Local News Report
• Google News: Flood Insurance

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.