LOANS AVAILABLE FOR DISASTER RELIEF

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced today that New Hampshire citizens affected by Tropical Storm Irene can now apply for low-interest disaster relief loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), even if they don’t own a business. The loans are available to businesses, non-profit organizations, and homeowners to help replace disaster-damaged property and keep businesses running during the recovery process.

“As New Hampshire continues to deal with the aftermath of Irene, these loans can help businesses and homeowners access the resources they need to clean up, recover, and rebuild,” Shaheen said.

Disaster loans of up to $200,000 will be available for homeowners and up to $2 million for businesses. Residents in the counties of Carroll and Grafton, areas that saw the most significant flooding damage, will be eligible for Physical Disaster Loans to replace damaged property, as well as Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help businesses meet financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of the storm. Economic Injury Disaster Loans will also be made available to Belknap, Coos, Merrimack, Stafford, and Sullivan county residents.

“The U.S. Small Business Administration  is strongly committed to providing the people of New Hampshire with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist homeowners, renters, and businesses with federal disaster loans,” said Karen Mills, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator. “Getting businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

Since the storm, Shaheen has been an active voice in supporting relief efforts for New Hampshire. She recently contacted officials at the Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA) urging federal officials to grant financial assistance for the cleanup and rebuilding process in the state. Shaheen’s office has remained in close contact with federal and state officials in the storm’s aftermath and urges any residents with damage from the storm to notify the state to help with damage assessment by calling 2-1-1.