Disaster loans available for flood victims

Mainers whose homes, businesses or nonprofit agencies were damaged by the flooding that occurred in April may apply for low-interest loans available through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Eligibility is restricted to properties in the federally designated disaster areas of Aroostook, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset and Washington counties.

Disaster loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace real estate damaged or destroyed by the flooding. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Businesses of any size, as well as certain nonprofit organizations, may borrow up to $1.5 million to repair or replace real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. Funds are also available to help with the cost of making improvements that prevent, minimize or protect against flooding damage in the future.

For small businesses only, the SBA offers loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. This assistance is available even if the business did not suffer physical property damage from the floods.

Interest rates may be as low as 2.687 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses, with repayment terms of up to 30 years.

The filing deadline for physical damage loans is July 8, 2008. The deadline for economic injury loans is Feb. 9, 2009.

In Aroostook County, more information and assistance is available at the disaster recovery center open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, at the Fort Kent Town Hall on West Main Street. A mobile center will have its last day of operation today, Saturday, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Eagle Lake Fire Department on Devoe Brook Road.

For information contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 800-621-3362 or the U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Office, from open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 800-659-2955.

For referral to other kinds of assistance, dial 211 for the state’s multiagency referral service.