(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) announced that, after he called on the President to provide emergency assistance for damage resulting from this year’s April frost and snow, Jefferson County will be one of seven Kentucky counties eligible for federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  Small business owners can repay the loans at significantly lower interest rates than traditional loans.

“Extreme weather conditions have jeopardized the livelihoods of the people who work Louisville’s more than 500 farms,” Yarmuth said.  “They provide crops and an economic boost for our community and I’m happy that we are able to provide this assistance.”

“I was really impressed that Congressman Yarmuth—representing a non-traditional agricultural district— understood how important this relief is for farmers, and that he took action on behalf of Kentucky farmers,” Joe Cain, Director of National Affairs for Kentucky Farm Bureau said of Yarmuth’s efforts.  “It shows he listens to people.”

This is the second time that the federal government has offered assistance to Jefferson County’s farm community.  Shortly after Yarmuth requested assistance in April, much of Kentucky received a “natural disaster designation,” making certain farms eligible for emergency low-interest loans from the Farm Services Agency.
Under the new declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to farm and non-farm related small business and its financial resources.  Interested business owners should contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired), Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM—9:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM—9:00 PM.  Loan applications can also be downloaded from SBA’s website: www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.  Completed applications should be mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Rd.
Fort Worth, TX 76155