Gov. Perry Announces SBA Assistance for Counties Effected by Tropical Storm Hermine

Gov. Rick Perry has announced the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) granted his request to provide federal disaster assistance to Bell, Tarrant and Williamson counties, which were devastated by Tropical Storm Hermine in September. This decision automatically makes the neighboring Texas counties of Bastrop, Burnet, Coryell, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Falls, Johnson, Lampasas, Lee, McLennan, Milam, Parker, Travis and Wise eligible for the same federal assistance.

"Tropical Storm Hermine dealt a significant blow to our state, and left many Texans in need of financial assistance to help rebuild their homes, businesses and communities," Gov. Perry said. "Texas is grateful for assistance from the SBA, which will help get local families and businesses back on their feet."

Homeowners, renters and businesses in all 18 counties will be eligible to apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans. Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 for residential damages, while renters and homeowners may borrow up to $40,000 for personal property losses. Businesses of any size and non-profit organizations can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate assets, machinery and equipment, business inventory and other business assets damaged in the storm. The loans are offered at low interest rates for terms of up to 30 years.

Disaster Loan Outreach Centers opened today in Bell, Tarrant and Williamson counties. Center locations, contact information and operating hours are listed below:

For more information on disaster loans, call SBA toll-free at (800) 659-2955 or visit: http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/index.html.