Full Notification

<p><strong>Governor Pence Announces Low-Interest Disaster Loans for St. Joseph and Surrounding Counties</strong></p>

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<p>Governor Mike Pence today announced the availability of low-interest disaster loans for five Northern Indiana counties after severe weather and flooding that began August 15.</p>

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<p>&ldquo;The severe weather events of this month have devastated several of our local communities, but they&rsquo;re not alone in their efforts to recover,&rdquo; said Governor Mike Pence. &ldquo;The willingness of Hoosiers to assist their neighbors in need through their generosity and compassion, combined with these low-interest disaster loans, can help ease the suffering of those affected as they move forward from these difficult circumstances.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The loans are available to residents, businesses and non-profit organizations through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Eligible counties are St. Joseph, LaPorte, Starke, Marshall and Elkhart. The loans also will be available to two Michigan counties contiguous to St. Joseph County &ndash; Berrien and Cass.</p>

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<p>Assessments are ongoing from the tornadoes that caused widespread damage in the state on August 24.&nbsp;Damage assessment data from those storms and a federal assistance application are still being evaluated.</p>

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<p><strong>Loan Amounts &ndash; Businesses and Organizations</strong></p>

<p>Businesses and private non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.<br />
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For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.</p>

<p><strong>Loan Amounts -- Citizens</strong><br />
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property.<br />
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<strong>How to Apply</strong></p>

<p>Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA&rsquo;s secure website athttps://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/&nbsp;or by mobile device at&nbsp;m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline at&nbsp;800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call&nbsp;800-621-3362.</p>

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Additional details on the locations of Disaster Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at&nbsp;800-659-2955&nbsp;(800-877-8339&nbsp;for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to&nbsp;[email protected].&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Deadlines to Apply</strong></p>

<p>The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is&nbsp;November 1, 2016. The deadline to return economic injury applications is&nbsp;June 1, 2017.<br />
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For more information about the SBA&rsquo;s Disaster Loan Program, visit&nbsp;http://www.sba.gov/disaster</p>

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