SBA offers disaster assistance to residents, businesses hit by floods

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Texas residents and business owners affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred from Oct. 30 – 31, 2013, U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Acting Administrator Jeanne Hulit announced last week. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Rick Per

ry on Nov. 20, 2013.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the primary Texas counties of Caldwell, Hays and Travis and the neighboring counties of Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Comal, Fayette, Gonzales, Guadalupe and Williamson.

“The U. S. Small Business Administration is strongly committed to providing Texas with the most effective and customer-focused response possible, and we will be there to provide access to federal disaster loans to help finance recovery for residents and businesses affected by the disaster,” said Hulit.  “Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster,” said SBA’s San Antonio District Director Pamela Sapia. “Beginning Monday, Nov. 25, SBA representatives  will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Sapia continued.  The centers will be open on the days and times indicated until further notice.  No appointment is necessary.

The Caldwell County Disaster Loan Outreach Center is at the LW Scott Annex, Caldwell County Office of Emergency Management, 1403 Blackjack St., Suite E. The office opens on Thursday, Dec. 5, and will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955 or e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.  Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339.  For more information about SBA’s disaster assistance programs, visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster.

The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is Jan. 21, 2014.  The deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 22, 2014.