SBA Oversees Disaster Relief

SBA Oversees Disaster Relief

BOBBY ARDOIN

St. Landry Now.com Editor

Flood relief is now available for businesses and residents whose properties may have been affected by Tropical Storm Arthur, which pushed through St. Landry and Avoyelles parishes during June, members of the Opelousas Board of Aldermen were told on Tuesday night.

U.S. Small Business Association representative and field specialist Phil Walls explained that the SBA recently established an office of disaster and recovery at the Community Center in the Town of Washington in order to process claims.

A July 7 disaster declaration issued by federal officials has enabled the SBA to begin providing help with low interest loans offered through July 31, Walls said.

Renters are potentially eligible for as much as $100,000 for household items or vehicles that were destroyed during the weeks of flooding.

Owners can apply for up to $500,000, while businesses can obtain as much as $2 million for mortgage assistance, Walls said.

The low interest loans of 2.875 percent are available in some cases, said Walls.

More details for SBA assistance can be obtained by visiting the Community Center office, Walls said.and