FR 2024-28681

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a notice declaring a major disaster in South Carolina as a result of Tropical Storm Debby, which occurred from August 4 to August 22, 2024. The notice outlines the provision of federal assistance for disaster recovery efforts, specifically for public assistance projects in several designated counties and hazard mitigation statewide. The federal assistance is set to cover up to 75% of the total eligible costs, meaning that state and local governments will need to cover the remaining 25%.

General Summary

This document, published in the Federal Register, announces the Presidential declaration of a major disaster in South Carolina due to the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby. The document, dated December 6, 2024, describes the areas eligible for federal disaster aid, the type of assistance available, and the administrative appointments made to coordinate the response effort.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Coverage Limitation
One of the noteworthy aspects of this notice is that federal funds will only cover 75% of the eligible costs associated with public assistance and hazard mitigation. This requirement could significantly strain state and local budgets, as they will be responsible for the remaining costs. This could be challenging, especially for areas already facing financial difficulties.

Lack of Specificity in Criteria
The document does not provide detailed criteria or metrics outlining how the severity and magnitude of the disaster were assessed. Greater transparency and clarity on this aspect could enhance public understanding of how disaster declarations are determined.

Oversight and Auditing
There is no mention of any measures for oversight or the auditing process to ensure that the allocated funds are used appropriately and effectively. Without such mechanisms in place, there might be concerns about the proper use and distribution of funds.

Technical Complexity
The document employs technical terminology and several references that might not be easily accessible to the general public. Terms like "Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act" and various "CFDA numbers" (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) are used without explanation, potentially making the notice less accessible to those without specialized knowledge.

Repetition and Clarity
There is a repetition in the text regarding authorization to make changes to the declaration as per the Stafford Act. This might create confusion or ambiguity regarding the flexibility and scope of authority in disaster response modifications.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

General Public Impact
For the general public, particularly those residing in the designated counties, this notice signifies potential federal support for recovery efforts. However, given the financial limitations placed on aid, citizens may experience delays or reduced services if state and local authorities struggle to cover their portion of the costs.

Specific Stakeholder Impact
For state and local governments, the requirement to cover 25% of disaster-related costs represents a substantial financial commitment. For residents in the affected areas, the announcement of assistance might bring some relief. However, those living outside the specified counties may feel marginalized if they, too, experienced damage.

Additionally, the appointment of Brett H. Howard as the Federal Coordinating Officer could influence the coordination effectiveness, with his role being crucial in ensuring the assistance is delivered appropriately and efficiently.

In conclusion, while the federal recognition of disaster in South Carolina facilitates the allocation of funds and resources to affected areas, several underlying issues concerning coverage limitations, transparency, and the complexity of information warrant closer attention to optimize recovery efforts and public confidence in government response systems.