HARRISBURG, Pa. — Governor Tom Wolf yesterday announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved his request to declare a disaster in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties after significant flood damage to homes and businesses following severe storms in late June.

(Photo courtesy NWS State College)

“Low-interest loans are an important tool for those impacted by these storms,” said Governor Wolf. “We are grateful that SBA is making loans available to survivors.”

Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the June 20 and 21 storms in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, as well as neighboring counties Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Indiana, Somerset, and Washington may be eligible for low-interest loans through the SBA Disaster Loan Programs.

Low-interest loans of up to $200,000.00 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA regulations permit loans up to $40,000.00 to repair or replace personal property. Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to restore damaged or destroyed buildings, inventory, equipment and assets. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial qualifications.

The SBA will establish a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in both Allegheny and Westmoreland counties to assist anyone who wishes to apply for a loan, but applicants may visit either location for assistance. The DLOC will be open at the following location and times:

Opening: Thursday, July 26 at 11:00 a.m.
Days: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 28, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Closed: Sunday, July 29
Closing: Thursday, August 2 at 4:00 p.m.

SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the disaster loan outreach center to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals to complete their applications.

Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center in person may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Completed applications should be returned to the DLOC or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is September 24, 2018.

The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is April 24, 2019.