COLLETON COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) — Colleton County officialssaid Thursdaythat they received a letter of denial for Individual Assistance from FEMA for those affected by Tropical Storm Debby.
Colleton County Fire-Rescue's Emergency Management Division received a letter of denial for Gov. Henry McMaster’s request for assistance for those affected by Debby. They said that there is an appeals process, but that there have been no new reports of damage related to Debby after a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (JPDA) was conducted Aug. 29.
They said that during the JPDA, fire-rescue personnel escorted two teams of FEMA personnel, and visited 80 damaged residences.
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Despite the denial, Colleton County officials said that Tropical Storm Debby victims can seek loans through the Small Business Association (SBA).
The SBA currently is not sending new loan offers, due to "a lapse in Congressional funding," but they are accepting and reviewing applications. The SBA still suggests that you apply if you need a loan for repairs due to recent severe weather.
They said the loans are low-interest, long-term loans designed to repair homes damaged by the storm. The loans payments can be deferred for one year after they are awarded.
Residents have until Nov. 18 to apply and can do so by visiting sba.gov/disaster or calling 1-800-659-2955.