[ad_1]
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Governor Josh Shapiro announced Monday that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has granted an administrative declaration of a disaster, which will make loans available for businesses and homeowners impacted by July flooding that caused extensive damage in Berks County.
Officials say impacted residents in Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery and Schuylkill counties may also be eligible for assistance.
“I was in Berks County meeting with local officials and community members immediately following the flooding, and I promised that my administration would be there to help them recover and rebuild,” said Governor Shapiro. “That’s why we worked with our partners in the federal government to open up access to these low-interest loans, so that businesses and homeowners can recoup unforeseen losses. My Administration will continue to work alongside our local and federal partners to help Berks County recover from the flooding.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently ruled that Berks County did not meet the threshold and denied disaster relief assistance for recovery efforts.
“I’m thankful SBA has heeded Governor Shapiro’s and my calls for assistance and will grant homeowners and small business owners in southeastern Pennsylvania low-interest loans,” said U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D.) “This is essential for their recovery and to help keep our vibrant small businesses alive. My office remains committed to working hand-in-hand with federal and state agencies to provide relief to our constituents.”
Governor Shapiro wrote a letter to the SBA requesting disaster loan assistance following information provided by PEMA, who worked with Berks County to conduct sample surveys to determine the economic impact of the disaster.
Officials say the following types of loans are available:
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides low-interest loans for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private nonprofit organizations. The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help businesses meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. The SBA tailors the repayment term of each disaster loan to the borrower’s financial capability.
The SBA’s Business Physical Disaster Loans can help businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
The SBA’s Home Disaster Loans can help homeowners or renters repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
The SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Reading, PA to assist businesses and homeowners in person. The center will be housed at Albright College’s Roessner Hall, located at 1940 North 13th Street, Reading, PA 19604.
The DLOC will open to the public Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Standard hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The DLOC will be closed on Sundays and Monday, Oct. 9 in observance of the Columbus Day holiday.
The DLOC end operations on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 4 p.m.
Officials say loan applications will also be made available online or by mail.
Additional information on low-interest SBA loans and the application process can be found HERE.
[ad_2]
Source link