The state’s southeastern counties hit with historic rainfall in mid-September have been granted a federal major disaster declaration, and eligible residents and businesses can apply now for low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency declaration Gov. Roy Cooper’s office announced Saturday makes funding available for Brunswick, Carteret, New Hanover and Onslow counties to repair or replace public facilitates damaged between Sept. 15-20 by potential tropical cyclone No. 8.
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The low-interest disaster loans Small Business Administration Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced Friday are for those affected by the severe storms and flooding that took place Sept. 16–20 in Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties, and in Horry County in South Carolina. For more information and to apply online visit sba.gov/disaster.
The governor issued Oct. 16 a State Type 1 Disaster Declaration for individual assistance for Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties, as well.
“This storm brought historic rainfall and severe flooding to several areas of our state causing significant damage,” Cooper said over the weekend referring to the September storm. “These disaster declarations will help bring needed relief for folks impacted by the storm, including small business owners.”
The Small Business Administration offers disaster loans to businesses, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit organizations that can cover physical damage repairs, expenses for small businesses, funding to prevent future damage and operating expenses for companies with employees on active duty leave.
“The SBA is strongly committed to providing the people of North Carolina with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters with federal disaster loans,” Guzman said. “Getting businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”
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Cooper requested the disaster assistance in letters sent last week to President Joe Biden and Small Business Administration Director Kem Fleming.
The Small Business Administration has disaster loan outreach centers in place to help with loan applications. Applicants can schedule an in-person appointment or drop by the centers in Brunswick or New Hanover County.
Hours for the Brunswick County center in the Town Creek Community Building in Winnabow are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The center will be closed Oct. 29, close at 5 p.m. Oct. 30, and close permanently at noon Nov. 1.
The New Hanover County center at Carolina Beach Town Hall was scheduled to open at 11 a.m. Monday and close at 6 p.m. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and permanently close at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28.
