Flood Aid Bill for South Carolina Farmers Headed to Governor

A bill to give $40 million to South Carolina farmers who lost much of their crops in last year’s massive floods is on its way to a showdown with the governor.

The House voted 85-2 Wednesday to agree to the version of the bill the Senate passed 33-3.

The proposal allows farmers in disaster-declared counties to request grants of up to $100,000 to cover up to 20 percent of their 2015 crop losses.

When 2 feet of rain fell in October, South Carolina farmers lost $330 million of crops near harvest time.

Gov. Nikki Haley has said while she feels badly for farmers, she feels badly for small businesses too, and farmers shouldn’t be treated differently. Her office didn’t immediately respond to whether her veto threat stands.

Related:

• South Carolina Lawmakers Seek to Provide $40M in Aid to Farmers Hit by Flood
• Disaster Loans Available to Agricultural Entities in South Carolina
• South Carolina Lawmaker Plans to Seek Additional Aid for Farmers
• South Carolina Governor Denies Farmer Request to Seek Storm Loss Aid
• South Carolina Governor Requests Crop Insurance Payments be Expedited
• South Carolina Insurance Director: Insurers Ready for Claims from ‘Devastating’ Storm
• South Carolina Lawmakers Seek $500M to Repair Flood-Damaged Roads
• South Carolina’s Agricultural Flood Loss Estimate Reaches $587M
• Losses to South Carolina Crops Rising as State Suffers More Rain