Residents and business owners affected by the Oct. 30–31 floods are now eligible for low-interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to a news release.
SBA acting Administrator Jeanne Hulit announced the eligibility Nov. 22 in response to a request sent by Gov. Rick Perry on Nov. 20.
The primary counties eligible for assistance are Caldwell, Hays and Travis counties, but neighboring counties, including Williamson, are also eligible, according to the news release.
"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," Hulit said in a statement. "Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA."
Homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofit agencies whose properties were damaged during the floods Oct. 30–31 may visit disaster outreach centers in Caldwell, Hays and Travis counties to talk to SBA representatives about the disaster loan program. SBA representatives will also be available to explain the application process and help individuals complete applications.
Disaster loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, according to the release. Homeowners and renters are also eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Businesses of any size and private, nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets, according to the release.
Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition. The deadline for property damage loan applications is Jan. 21, and the deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 22.
Applicants may also apply for loans online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Call 800-659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information, and for more on the SBA's disaster assistance programs, visit www.sba.gov/disaster.
SBA representatives will be available at the following locations:
Travis County
Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez Drive, Austin
Nov. 25, noon–6 p.m.
Nov. 26, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Nov. 27, 9 a.m.–noon
Dec. 3 until further notice, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Hays County
Hays County Precinct 2 Office, 5458 FM 2770, Kyle
Monday through Wednesday Dec. 3–11, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Caldwell County
Caldwell County Scott Annex, Caldwell County Office of Emergency Services, 1403 Blackjack St., Ste. E, Lockhart
Thursday–Friday Dec. 5–12, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
