SBA Packets Key To Some Disaster Assistance
Release Date: April 30, 2003
Release Number: 1458-23
» More Information on Virginia Severe Winter Storm, Snowfall, Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Mudslides
Lynchburg, VA -- State and federal disaster officials are advising applicants who suffered losses in February's severe winter storms and flooding to return the completed U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) applications as soon as possible.
"Nobody will be forced to accept an SBA loan," said Tom Costello, FEMA's federal coordinating officer. "However, they may not qualify for further assistance until the applications are returned."
"Housing assistance and emergency home repair grants are approved as soon as possible to get flood victims into safe, sanitary, and secure housing," said Michael Cline, Virginia's state coordinating officer. "However, eligibility for more long-term recovery assistance can only be determined by reviewing information obtained from the SBA loan application."
Officials urge everyone who suffered damages or property losses in the February storms and floods to register for recovery assistance. FEMA's toll-free registration number is 1-800-621-3362. Speech or hearing impaired persons should call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
Costello emphasized, "The only way FEMA or state agencies determine the types of assistance flood victims may receive is to call the toll-free registration number and then return the SBA packets."
Last Modified: Wednesday, 30-Apr-2003 16:01:55