Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his request to declare a disaster in Westmoreland County after significant flood damage to homes and businesses from a severe storm on Sept. 9, 2018.

“Historic storms have damaged property and disrupted lives across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Wolf. “Low-interest loans are an important first step toward helping those affected by the storms to move on.”

Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the storm in Westmoreland County, as well as neighboring counties Allegheny, Armstrong, Cambria, Fayette, Indiana, Somerset and Washington may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans through the SBA Disaster Loan Programs.

Low-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA regulations permit loans up to $40,000 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 to assist anyone who wishes to apply for a loan. The DLOC will be open at the following location and times:

-- West Newton Public Library, 124 North Water Street, West Newton

Opening: Friday, October 12: 11 a.m.

Days: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

          Saturday, October 13: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday, October 14

Closing:Friday, October 19: 4 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 email to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA website.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website. 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 December 10, 2018. The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is July 9, 2019.

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[Posted: Oct. 10, 2018]

10/15/2018