ROCK HILL, S.C. — South Carolina lawmakers announced they will allocate $500,000 to the city of Rock Hill for recovery efforts related to severe thunderstorms that hit York County in late April.
The storms caused widespread damage across Rock Hill and York County on April 20, damaging numerous homes and businesses. The storm damage funds were approved by the South Carolina House as part of the state budget.
"In the face of tragedy, the people of Rock Hill join together to support one another," Mayor John Gettys said. "Our local representatives, led by Rep. John King's efforts, were integral in securing this funding through the state budget process."
The supercell thunderstorm produced winds up to 90 mph as it moved across York County in April. These winds, the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane, toppled trees and damaged homes. The storm also produced hail stones at least 2 inches in diameter, surveyors found. York County Emergency Management said the storms caused around $5 million in damage, including city- and county-owned vehicles.
Gettys said over $52,000 was raised in donations to support the Rebuild Southside efforts. He said the money from the state will go toward over 20 additional homes that qualify for assistance. Rock Hill officials said they anticipate there's enough combined funding to repair 60 homes.
“One of the reasons I love Rock Hill is how the community always pulls together to help those in need," Rep. Brandon Guffey said. "This storm caused so much damage to those who owned generational homes here and it was imperative that we advocate for assistance from the state.”
The mayor said that funding will go to residents who are uninsured and did not get approved for the small business loan.
One resident who fell in that boat said handling the repairs herself had been a lot of work.
“The insurance is doing so much but it’s not taking care of everything," the resident said. "So, it’s coming out of pocket and it’s very, very hard. We had to get the roof repaired. All the windows had to be repaired, the siding had to be repaired, both of my cars were totaled – it’s a lot of damage."
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