Businesses and individuals recovering from late-winter flood eligible for assistance, but must apply by June 18
 
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that York and Cumberland counties have until June 18 to apply for assistance in the wake of devastating late winter floods.   Businesses, non-profits, homeowners, and renters whose property was damaged by storms and flooding between February 23 and March 31 are eligible for low-interest loans.
 
“The extreme weather we had in February devastated many areas in Southern Maine.  Still dealing with an economic downturn, it’s not easy for those communities to recover from such a blow,” said Pingree. “These low-interest loans are an affordable way for businesses and individuals to quickly get back on their feet.”
 
Homeowners are eligible for up to $200,000 to repair damages to their primary residences. Both homeowners and renters can get loans of up to $40,000 to replace furniture, appliances, clothing and other property damaged in the flood.
 
Loans for businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations are available up to $2 million to repair damage to real estate, equipment, and inventory. Economic Injury Disaster Loans are also available to help small businesses and organizations meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.
 
Interest rates are as low as 2.625 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for non-profits, and 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years.
 
For more information or a loan application, contact the Small Business Administration Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or by visiting www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
 
The filing deadline for the application is Friday, June 18.