On December 12, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his request to declare a disaster in Erie County after severe storms and high winds damaged dozens of businesses and properties from October 31 through November 1.

Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the storm in Erie County, as well as neighboring counties Crawford and Warren may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans through the SBA Disaster Loan Programs.

“More and more frequently, our friends and neighbors are being negatively impacted by intense storms where effects are felt long after the skis clear,” said Gov. Wolf. “The damages wrought by flooding, high winds and coastal erosion can be devastating to affected families.  Help is available.”

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 (DLOC) to assist anyone who wishes to apply for a loan. The DLOC will be open at the following location and times:

-- North East Township Building, 10300 West Main Road, North East, PA 16428

Opening: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hours:     Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

                Saturday – Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Closed:    All Sundays

Closing:   Monday, Dec. 23 at 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 centers 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 emailing: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. 

Loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA Disaster webpage.  Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via the SBA’s secure website.

Completed applications should be returned to the local 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 February 10, 2020.  The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is September 11, 2020.

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[Posted: December 12, 2019]

12/16/2019