Governor: 6 West TN Counties get Federal Help for Storm Recovery

 

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced today the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) granted his request for a disaster declaration for Henderson and its contiguous counties as a result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred on Jan. 29, 2013. “I’m glad we have good news on our SBA declaration request, and I hope all those who sustained damage to their homes and businesses from these terrible storms will find a measure of relief as they rebuild,” Haslam said.

An SBA disaster declaration makes homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations affected by the disaster eligible for low-interest loans.

The SBA will open a temporary office on Wed. Feb. 20, 2013, in the Henderson County Courthouse, 17 Monroe Ave. in Lexington, Tenn., to help homeowners and businesses with the disaster loan process. A powerful storm moved across the U.S. on Jan. 29, 2013, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms and tornadoes to Tennessee.  The storm caused one fatality and three injuries in the state.

For homeowner loans, if an applicant cannot obtain credit elsewhere the interest rate will not exceed 1.688 percent.  If an applicant can obtain credit elsewhere, the interest rate will not exceed 3.375 percent.

Business applicants with credit elsewhere will have an interest rate of 6 percent and business applicants without credit will have an interest rate of 4 percent. Non-profit organization applicants will have an interest rate of 2.875 percent, regardless of whether or not they have credit elsewhere.

SBA declarations make victims in adjacent counties eligible for aid as well, so the declaration includes the Tennessee counties of Carroll, Chester, Decatur, Hardin and Madison. Applicants can contact the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visit SBA’s website. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website .