Eric Fosmeyer outlines South Carolina disaster recovery strategy in North Augusta presentation

In a recent City Council Study Session held on July 14, 2025, the City of North Augusta welcomed Eric Fosmeyer, Chief of Staff for the South Carolina Office of Resilience. The session focused on disaster recovery programs and mitigation efforts available to the community, particularly in light of recent natural disasters.

Fosmeyer outlined the mission of the Office of Resilience, which aims to lessen the impact of disasters through planning, coordination, and recovery efforts. Established in 2015 after significant flooding in South Carolina, the office has since managed recovery efforts for multiple disasters, including hurricanes Matthew and Florence. Fosmeyer emphasized the importance of being prepared for disasters to ensure quicker recovery and long-term resilience.

A key point of discussion was the significant unmet housing needs following recent disasters, with Fosmeyer reporting an estimated $1.7 billion in damages across the state. This figure reflects the challenges faced by residents even after receiving assistance from FEMA and insurance. The Office of Resilience is currently administering a HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program, which has allocated $150 million to South Carolina, with a substantial portion designated for housing recovery.

Fosmeyer highlighted that Aiken County, along with five other counties identified as most impacted, will receive 80% of the housing recovery funds. This allocation is particularly beneficial for low to moderate-income residents, as the program is designed to prioritize assistance for these communities. Fosmeyer reassured council members that the recovery efforts are citizen-centric, aiming to meet the immediate needs of those affected by disasters.

The session also addressed the ongoing deployment of disaster case managers who assist individuals with unmet needs, ranging from housing to medical issues. Fosmeyer encouraged residents to engage with these resources, emphasizing that the recovery process is a collaborative effort between state and local agencies.

As the meeting concluded, the council acknowledged the importance of these programs in supporting the community's recovery and resilience. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by residents in the aftermath of disasters and the critical role of government support in facilitating recovery efforts. The council anticipates further updates as the recovery programs progress and additional funding becomes available.