News From South Carolina

Gov. McMaster says federal government will take up more relief costs from Helene

South Carolina Public Radio | By Kristina Thacker

Published October 12, 2026 at 5:58 AM EDT

At its worst, power outage in the Upstate was almost total following Tropical Storm Helene. For most of the region, power is back for 90 or more percent. But some counties, like Edgefield, are having to essentially rebuild their power networks.

Gov. McMaster said Thursday that the federal government will increase spending on Helene cleanup

McMaster says President Trump approved the state's request for FEMA to increase the federal cost share from 75% to 90%.

Emergency management officials say the funding shift comes as some areas are still reeling from the 2024 storm.

"South Carolina has worked tirelessly to recover and rebuild following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene," said Gov. McMaster. "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."

FEMA has already distributed $334 million to a quarter-million South Carolina storm survivors.

Local nonprofits manage more than one thousand home repair projects.