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Feds pitch in with funds for flood |
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Friday, 08 August 2008 |
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By Mike Gervais
Register Staff 8-7-2008 Victims of last month’s flash flood and mudslide in the Oak Creek area of Independence will have one more option for relief funds today.
The U.S. Small Business Administration will be offering low-interest disaster loans to Independence residents who were impacted by the flood beginning today, Thursday, Aug. 7 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Inyo County Administrative Center, 224 N. Edwards St. in Independence.
“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed by the flash flooding and landslides,” said SBA Regional Administrator Bruce Thompson.
The SBA will be offering low-interest loans of up to $200,000 for homeowners to repair or replace their damaged or destroyed primary residences. Homeowners and renters are also eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace destroyed or damaged property.
“We have been working with SBA, and low-interest loans will be issued to people who apply for them and are approved,” said Inyo County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Carma Roper. “Any property that was damaged or destroyed can hopefully be replaced” with the loan.
By declaring a disaster, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration Jovita Carranza has made the SBA assistance available locally.
Carranza’s action responded to a July 30 request from Henry Renteria, director of the California Office of Emergency Services, on behalf of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“We look forward to working with California and the people affected by this disaster to make SBA disaster loans available to homeowners, renters and businesses,” said Carranza.
Customer service representatives with SBA will be on hand in Independence to issue loan applications, answer questions about the program and explain and help residents with the application process.
The customer service representatives will be available from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, 14 and 21 and from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8 and 15.
The deadline for filing an application for property damage loans is Oct. 3.
The relief aid provided by the SBA will allow the Independence Civic Club to focus its attention on other aspects of restoration and repairs in the wake of the devastating flood.
“The SBA low-interest loans are a separate animal entirely,” said Roper. “The loans are going to be helpful for residents as they begin to repair and replace their homes.”
On the other hand, the Independence Civic Club’s Flood Relief Fund is being distributed to Independence residents to help renters find permanent lodging and help others purchase food, clothes and other necessities that were lost during the flood.
To contribute to the fund, send donation to the Independence Civic Club, attention Flood Relief Fund, P.O. Box 482, Independence, CA 93526.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 13 September 2008 )
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