SCAC President Makes Unprecedented Appeal on Bamberg County's Behalf

Posted by 02/07/2024 Categories: Bamberg County Airport Bamberg County Emergency Services bamberg south carolina city of bamberg south carolina community government keep America Beautiful Keep Bamberg County Beautiful local government national weather service Public Works South Carolina tornado

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To: News Media

From: Bamberg County Administration

Date: February 6, 2024

Re: SCAC President Makes Unprecedented Appeal on Bamberg County's Behalf

Bamberg, South Carolina (February 2024) –In an unprecedented gesture of camaraderie and goodwill, South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC) President and Pickens County Council Vice Chairman Roy Costner, III has made an appeal to the other 45 counties in the state to assist Bamberg County with tornado recovery efforts. President Costner sent a letter to his colleagues asking them to help mitigate “an unexpected hardship on an area already facing economic obstacles.”

Costner’s request comes just a couple weeks after he met with Bamberg, Barnwell, and Allendale leaders to discuss common challenges and opportunities for the region and nearly a month after $4 million in damage occurred in Bamberg County as a result of the Category EF-2 tornado.

“As county leaders and public servants, we all know the tough times emergency response and

recovery brings to our communities. What makes us resilient is our compassion and willingness to support our friends and neighbors in need. At one time or another, each of our counties has faced a crisis. Knowing we are not alone helps ease this burden. If your county is able to offer in-kind support or collaboration, please reach out to Bamberg County Emergency Preparedness Manager Tiffany Bryant at bryantt@bambergcounty.sc.gov,” said Costner.

Bamberg County Council Chairman Evert Comer, Jr. said the letter “touched his heart and he appreciates President Costner’s efforts to help Bamberg County during this challenging ordeal. When the time comes, Bamberg will also be there to help those in need.”

Additionally, Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston said he is grateful for President Costner’s support and that he has never “seen anything like this before.” Preston elaborated, “Having such a strong tornado strike in January while being so geographically isolated is no normal occurrence, and the economic impact has frankly been devastating. We certainly appreciate all the help we can get as well as President Costner’s kind gesture. We must all stick together during these unprecedented times.”

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For more information on this press release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.