What happened?
Abbott’s announcement is coming roughly one month after multiple tornadoes touched down in the area in late December, including an EF-3 tornado in Porter Heights that carried winds between 136-165 miles per hour.
The disaster assistance was made available through the U.S. Small Business Administration after the agency approved Abbott’s request for a disaster declaration in the areas affected by the storm.
“With this disaster declaration, qualifying Texans will be able to access crucial financial assistance so they can rebuild homes and businesses from any damage caused by the tornadoes and severe weather,” Abbott said in a statement.
The options
According to the news release, the following low-interest loans are now available to qualifying homeowners, renters, and business owners through the SBA:
- Physical damage loans, which cover the repair and replacement of physical assets
- Mitigation assistance, which provides funding for improvements aimed at mitigating future damage
- Economic injury disaster loans, which provide funding to cover small business operating expenses after a declared disaster
Officials with Montgomery County Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray's office said individuals looking to apply for the assistance can visit the Grangerland Community Center, located at 15636 FM 3083, Grangerland, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday for a free consultation with an SBA official.
Additionally, applicants can apply online by visiting sba.gov/disaster or calling SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 for more information.
