FEMA, SBA tour areas severely hit by York County storms

Both FMA and Small Business Administration officials toured storm-torn areas of York County on Wednesday.

It comes days after county leaders said it isn’t likely that York County will qualify for any federal grant dollars after last month’s storms. However, some of the storm damage is major.

READ MORE: How to get help in York County after weekend storms

“I’ve never gone through anything like this. Even Hugo wasn’t this bad,” said neighbor Joyce Leopard.

County leaders think the area could qualify for SBA loans, so they welcomed Wednesday’s visit hoping to leave no stone unturned. FEMA and the SBA are conducting their own damage study, which could take months.

>> In the video at the top of the page, Channel 9′s Tina Terry was with federal officials on the ground.

On Tuesday, Gov. Henry McMaster asked for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the April 20 storms.

“I have determined that the situation and survivor recovery needs in York County are of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local governments, such that federal assistance is necessary to supplement the ongoing efforts and available resources of the State, local governments, disaster relief organizations, and compensation by insurance for disaster-related losses,” Gov. McMaster wrote in the letter. “Indeed, the impacts of the April 20 storm have resulted in threats to the safety, security, and welfare of residents of York County, particularly the most vulnerable residents in the storm’s path.”

(WACH BELOW: ‘It wasn’t our fault’: Residents of torn-up Rock Hill receiving no federal help)