Governor Rendell Announces Approval of SBA Aid for Erie Fire Victims

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his request for assistance for residents of Millcreek Township, Erie County, who were affected by a fire on March 28.

Those who lived in the fire-ravaged apartment units may now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The loans will help pay to replace personal possessions lost in the fire.

"I asked the Small Business Administration on Monday to declare Erie County a disaster area, and just two days later we are able to help families who suffered property losses from this tragic fire," said Governor Rendell. "I thank the SBA and Administrator Mills for working fast and making low-interest disaster loans available to eligible victims."

Low-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property. SBA regulations permit loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Interest rates are as low as 2.187 percent for homeowners and renters, and 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial situation.

Residents and business owners can obtain loan applications and more information at the SBA disaster loan outreach center. The center will be located at the Greater Erie County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 4961 Pittsburgh Ave., Erie. The hours of operation will be Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center will open on Tuesday, April 14.

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), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Victims may apply for disaster loans from SBA's secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

More information on disaster assistance in Pennsylvania is available at www.pema.state.pa.us.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

    CONTACT: Maria A. Finn (PEMA)
    717-651-2009

    Michael Smith
    717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

http://www.governor.state.pa.us

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