Congressman Henry Cuellar Announces Disaster Assistance for Small Businesses in Atascosa, Frio, La Salle, & Mcmullen Counties
CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR ANNOUNCES DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES in ATASCOSA, FRIO, LA SALLE, & MCMULLEN COUNTIES
Washington, DC- Congressman Henry Cuellar announced today that Atascosa, Frio, La Salle, and McMullen Counties have officially been declared as agricultural disaster areas by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns due to damage caused by adverse weather conditions such as drought and excessive heat beginning January 1, 2006. This declaration will provide low-interest Federal disaster loans to small businesses in the affected counties to aid small, non-farm businesses that suffered economic losses because of reduced revenues due to the impact of the weather.
According to SBA's Disaster Fields Operation Center Director Alfred E. Judd, "Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4%, a maximum term of 30 years, and are restricted to small businesses without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship."
Congressman Henry Cuellar noted, "It is critical to give small businesses the tools they need in order to protect the nation's economic growth."
"These loans will help alleviate the economic losses endured by small businesses in these counties due to unforeseen natural weather conditions. I encourage every small business owner in these counties to seek out this valuable assistance," Congressman Cuellar continued.
Interested small businesses may call toll-free (800) 659-2955 or visit SBA's website at www.sba.gov/disaster for additional information and application forms. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877-8339.
The deadline to apply for these loans is December 18, 2006.
Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Budget and Agriculture committees in the 109th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care and economic development are his priorities.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx28_cuellar/060502.html