Together We Stand: Recovery and Resilience in Greenville County

Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 10-8-24

Oct 08, 2024

As we continue to navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our thoughts and prayers extend to our neighbors in Florida facing Hurricane Milton. May those in its path find strength and safety, and may the winds of compassion guide us in our efforts to support one another through these challenging times. We stand together, united in hope and resilience.

Current Relief Efforts in Greenville County

The Greenville County Emergency Operations Center moved to OPCON 2 at 6:00 PM on Monday, signifying our ongoing commitment to recovery efforts. Here are the latest updates for our community:

• A Zoom call with county partners took place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday to coordinate relief efforts.

• A Major Disaster Declaration has been approved for Greenville County, covering both Individual and Public Assistance. Citizens and businesses can apply for assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

• FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance representatives will be available at 225 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville, SC, from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday. They can be found on the left side of the parking lot, facing the building.

• As of 5:30 PM on Monday, 2% (7,057 customers) of the county remains without power.

• The county debris removal contractor has successfully picked up 37,000 cubic yards of debris so far.

• Questions regarding debris removal from county or private roads can be directed to County Roads and Bridges at 864-467-7016. More information is available at www.greenvillecounty.org.

• The shelter that was previously at Hillcrest High School has now moved to Mauldin Methodist Church.

• Citizens seeking information about Helene can call 864-467-3428 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Tuesday. For emergencies, please call 911.

• For immediate needs, reach out to the United Way at 211.

• The United Way continues to accept donations at 105 Edinburgh Court until the end of the week, with hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Will Greenville County Schools Have to Make Up Missed Days Because of Helene?

During a meeting on Tuesday, the Greenville County School Board discussed the implications of Hurricane Helene on the school calendar:

• As of today, there will be no makeup days required.

• The school calendar will remain unchanged.

• The Greenville County School District plans to reach out to the legislature to request a waiver to forgive the missed school days.

This is a positive development for families, allowing our students to continue their learning without interruption due to the storm.

Questions About FEMA Operations and Relief Efforts at Greenville Downtown Airport

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, there has been significant discussion surrounding FEMA’s operations at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU), particularly regarding the visibility of helicopters and the situation with donations. Below is a summary of the information provided about these matters.

The Role of Greenville Downtown Airport in Relief Efforts

The Greenville Downtown Airport has played a vital role in the community’s response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, offering essential support to affected families. The extent of the damage and flooding impacted not only our area but also Western North Carolina. The City of Greenville and its partners have been working diligently to restore power and essential services.

Happy Helicopter Tours, one of the airport’s tenants, recognized the urgent need for relief supplies in Western North Carolina and initiated a coordinated effort. This grassroots initiative showcased the generosity of our community, with over 1.1 million pounds of goods collected and distributed to those in need, thanks to contributions from local citizens and the wider pilot community across neighboring states. I have heard directly from Happy Helicopter Tours, who confirmed that they requested community members to temporarily halt donations. This request was made to allow time for their team to rest and devise an additional game plan to assist those in need in Western North Carolina effectively.

Key Contributions Include:

• Establishing a centralized staging area for Duke Power and other first responders.

• Facilitating a heavy equipment fueling operation for ongoing restoration efforts.

• Providing temporary storage for debris from downed trees to expedite cleanup.

Addressing Concerns About FEMA Operations

Recent reports indicated that FEMA had stationed helicopters at GMU, which led to some misunderstandings. Here are the clarified details:

• A FEMA-contracted entity established a staging area for 12 EC135 helicopters and ground support personnel at GMU in case medical or life support was required. This was intended to enhance responsiveness without disrupting normal airport operations.

• Misinterpretations arose from a circulated video suggesting that FEMA had shut down the airport, which is inaccurate and based on unverified information, contributing to community confusion.

• While flights supporting relief efforts were operational, activity was temporarily slowed due to capacity issues at airports in North Carolina and the need to clear ground transportation routes for local distribution. Most supplies transitioned to ground transport, allowing for larger deliveries than could be managed by air.

• The FEMA-contracted agency initially at GMU has since relocated to Florida to prepare for Hurricane Milton, expected to make landfall soon.

Additionally, there have been instances where donations were turned away. Reasons for this may include:

• Logistical Constraints: The volume of donations can sometimes exceed the capacity to manage, leading to the need for prioritization based on immediate needs and logistical feasibility.

• Regulatory Compliance: FEMA and partner organizations often have specific guidelines and requirements for donations to ensure they meet the necessary standards for distribution.

• Supply Chain Issues: Transportation and distribution challenges may also impact the ability to accept certain donations, particularly if there are concerns about the perishability or suitability of the items offered.

NOTE: While I still have my own opinion and concerns about how FEMA has managed non profit, church, and community assistance attempting to STILL reach some in the mountains of Western North Carolina in need, I want to clarify that these concerns do not pertain to issues here in our County. This reinforces to me our commitment to prioritize our citizens’ needs, even if it means addressing head on, state or federal authorities properly operating while they are present here in Greenville County.

Resources for Business Recovery in Greenville County

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC) is taking proactive steps to support our business community as we work together to recover from this crisis. Understanding the challenges faced by local businesses, GADC President has shared valuable resources to help those in need get back on their feet.

Collaboration with Economic Partners:

The GADC is actively coordinating efforts with economic partners in each city within Greenville County to reach out to established businesses affected by the storm. The focus is twofold: first, to assist residents in their recovery, and second, to ensure our businesses can restart their operations.

Power Restoration Efforts:

Many businesses have expressed that power restoration is their primary concern. Duke Energy has communicated that the majority of larger businesses and business parks should have power restored by today or tomorrow at the latest, though there may be some exceptions.

Key Resources Available

To assist our businesses during this recovery period, here are several important resources being compiled and shared by the GADC:

1. SBA Disaster Loans:

• QR Code Handout: Offers a quick link to access SBA resources directly.

2. Unemployment Assistance:

• Governor Henry McMaster and S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director William Floyd announced that individuals living or working in affected counties, including Greenville, may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) funds. This assistance is available to those who became unemployed due to Hurricane Helene, covering the period from September 29, 2024, to April 5, 2025.

• The DUA program includes support for small business owners and self-employed individuals who have lost income as a result of the disaster. For more details, visit South Carolina’s Department of Employment and Workforce.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

3. Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund:

• A partnership between DoorDash and Hello Alice has launched the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (RDRF), offering $10,000 grant awards to restaurants, gastropubs, and bakeries with brick-and-mortar locations that have lost revenue due to disasters. Applications are open until December 2, 2024, at 6 PM EST. Click here for the application link and eligibility requirements: Disaster Relief

As we navigate this challenging recovery process, these resources are designed to provide critical support to our local businesses, helping them restore operations and serve our community once again.

THANK YOU

As we continue to heal from the impact of Hurricane Helene, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Greenville County. Your unwavering support for each other, resilience, and compassion during this challenging time have truly made THE difference. It is inspiring to see our community come together, lending a helping hand to our neighbors in need and fostering a spirit of unity.

I remain dedicated to providing transparent information and being a true voice for the residents of District 19 and all of Greenville County. Together, we will navigate these difficult waters, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every need is addressed. Thank you for your strength and solidarity; it is this very spirit that will guide us through our recovery and toward a brighter future. - BBD19

Councilman Blount’s Newsletter