(Aliquippa, PA) - At a press conference with local and county officials in Beaver County today, U.S. Representative Jason Altmire (PA-4), Chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, announced that he will push for federal Small Business Administration (SBA) loan assistance for victims of Thursday's floods in Aliquippa and surrounding areas of Beaver County.

Congressman Altmire made the announcement after his tour yesterday of Aliquippa's damaged business district and residential areas and following consultations with Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency officials, and local emergency responders.  During a severe thunderstorm on July 5, as much as 4.5 inches of rain was dumped throughout Beaver County.  Several municipalities suffered severe flooding which affected a great number of businesses and residences.  The City of Aliquippa was hardest hit by the storm, with nearly four feet of floodwaters in its downtown business district.

"Aliquippa and other areas of Beaver County have already struggled with poor economic conditions, and these communities may have an extremely hard time recovering from the damages without some form of assistance," said Congressman Altmire.  "It is with the utmost urgency that we provide much-needed funds to our community's businesses and families in order to give them the chance to rebuild, to get back on their feet, and to get back to business in places like downtown Aliquippa.  I will do everything in my power as chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight to leverage much-needed aid through the SBA to these communities."

The SBA provides low-interest disaster assistance loans to eligible homeowners, renters, and business owners.  Homeowners can apply for loans up to $200,000 for the repair or replacement of real estate and up to $40,000 for the repair or replacement of personal property.  Businesses and non-profits can apply for loans up to $1.5 million to repair or replace destroyed property, machinery, inventory, or other business assets.  Congressman Altmire's subcommittee has oversight of the SBA, including its grant and loan programs.

"I will continue to work with our state and local officials with the recovery effort," Congressman Altmire added.  "Any resident needing assistance should not hesitate to call my district office.  My staff and I are here and ready to help."

Congressman Altmire and his staff can be reached at (724) 378-0928 or by visiting his district office at 2110 McLean Street in Aliquippa.  Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  No appointment is necessary.