Palmetto State News

Governor Henry McMaster and Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette have announced the initiation of Farm and Forest Recovery Resource Days to aid South Carolina's farming and forestry sectors impacted by Hurricane Helene. These events are scheduled for Aiken on November 15, Greenville on November 21, and Myrtle Beach on December 6.

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture and the Forestry Commission have estimated that the total damage from Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby, and a recent flash drought amounts to $621 million. In response to these losses, Governor McMaster has reached out to South Carolina's Congressional Delegation, seeking their support for federal emergency relief funds through a block grant aimed at bolstering affected communities.

"These staggering losses represent a critical blow to an industry already contending with rising inflation, labor shortages, and market pressures," Governor McMaster stated in his letter. He emphasized the potential long-term harm to rural livelihoods without prompt intervention.

The Farm and Forest Recovery Resource Days will include participation from various agencies offering resources such as storm recovery assistance from Clemson University Extension, technical resources for veteran farmers from Farmer Veteran Coalition of S.C., financial aid registration information from FEMA, tax relief guidance from the IRS, business start-up support from the Small Business Administration, among others.

The events aim to provide comprehensive support by bringing together federal, state, local agencies as well as non-profit organizations in one location for those affected by these natural disasters.