On Aug. 24, the Minnesota legislature voted to approve a $167.5 million disaster relief package, which provides significant assistance for recovery in the Northland. It is imperative for homeowners to apply for Federal Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance -- even if they get rejected or denied. Many of the state funds may only be accessed by those who begin their disaster aid process through SBA.
So far only a relatively small number of homeowners have applied for SBA assistance. Some estimates show that the number is only 10 percent of the total number of households in need.
Shortly after the storms in June, SBA set up a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, among other locations, to offer low interest loans up to $200,000 to homeowners for repair or replacement of damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses and nonprofits may be eligible for up to $2 million for recovery and replacement of equipment, real estate and other business assets.
The Center closed on Aug. 29, but applications are being accepted online through Oct. 15 at www.sba.gov . SBA's Customer Service Center may be reached at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov . Loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA's website at www.sba.gov . If SBA assistance is insufficient or unavailable, homeowners can then apply for a Minnesota Housing Quick Start loan.
I encourage those who have sustained damage to their properties during this summer's flood disaster to apply for assistance through SBA's process. This includes businesses, nonprofits, and homeowners. My office is always available as well to help answer any questions.
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Senator Roger J. Reinert represents Minnesota District 7.
