SBA Disaster Loans Top $5 Million in Arkansas
Release Date: March 14, 2008
Release Number: 1744-051
» More Information on Arkansas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- More than $9 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been allocated for recovery from the Feb. 5 severe storms and tornadoes, including more than $5 million in disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Following are current statistics of state and federal disaster relief efforts through close of business March 13.
- The SBA has approved almost $5.4 million ($5,396,900) in low-interest disaster loans to Arkansas residents and businesses. The SBA provides low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, non-profit organizations and businesses of all sizes that suffered damage from the Feb. 5 severe storms and tornadoes.
- 1,645 individuals and households from the designated counties have applied for disaster aid.
- $2.28 million ($2,281,000) in Housing Assistance has been approved to cover rental assistance, temporary lodging and housing repair and replacement assistance.
- $761,200 in Other Needs Assistance has been approved to cover personal property loss, medical costs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.
- 2,353 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) have been made by people affected by the disaster to meet with recovery experts.
- 935 home inspections have been completed.
- Public Assistance grants totaling almost $558,900 ($558,865) have been obligated to date in response to 43 Requests for Public Assistance (RPA's) from public entities (counties; cities; and private, non-profit organizations that provide essential public services.)
- 49 applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) have been received and initial funding of $13,800 has been requested by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (DWS). The Arkansas DUA program, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by DWS, provides benefits from $128 to a maximum of $400 a week for up to 26 weeks for individuals unemployed as a direct result of the disaster.
Arkansans who live in Baxter, Conway, Izard, Marion, Pope, Randolph, Sharp, Stone, Union and Van Buren Counties and suffered damage during last month's storms should call the FEMA registration line at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for persons with special speech or hearing needs, and register for assistance as soon as possible. Registration line hours are operational from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., CST, Monday-Friday. Applicants also can register online at any time at www.fema.gov. The deadline to apply is April 8, 2008.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 17-Mar-2008 08:57:10