(Monroe, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today announced that the Small Business Administration (SBA) made a declaration of disaster for Ouachita Parish, and Vitter is encouraging affected homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations to apply for disaster loans. Vitter will become the Chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee at the beginning of next year and is working with the SBA to make the declaration.

“I toured the storm sites the day after these tornadoes hit, and the damages were clearly severe,” Vitter said. “Louisianians know better than anyone the challenges of rebuilding after a storm – resiliency is in our bones. I’m pleased we were able to get this disaster assistance made available.”

Last month, two tornadoes damaged over 600 homes and 100 businesses throughout Ouachita Parish, and nearly 69,000 lost power. They destroyed 46 homes and affected hundreds others.

The contiguous parishes eligible to apply are Caldwell, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Richland and Union Parishes.

The Senate Small Business Committee, of which Vitter will become Chair in January, has jurisdiction over the SBA and its Disaster Loan Programs. Applicants may apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Additional information about eligibility and loan terms may be found at www.sba.gov/disaster or by phone at 1-800-659-2955. Applications can also be made in person at the Ouachita Parish Public Library’s Main Branch, 1800 Stubbs Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 on the second floor.

Physical Disaster Loans (PDLs) of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners for repair or replacement of their primary residence to its pre-disaster condition, and up to $40,000 may be borrowed to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster. PDLs for businesses of up to $2 million are available to repair or replace damaged real estate, equipment, inventory and fixtures. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million are available to eligible businesses and non-profit organizations to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses as they overcome the temporary loss of revenue experienced as a result of the storms. PDL applications are due by January 20, 2015. EIDL applications are due by August 18, 2015.

If you need assistance applying for a disaster assistance loan, please contact Senator Vitter’s office in Monroe.

Sen. David Vitter’s Northeast Louisiana Office
1651 Louisville Avenue Suite 148
Monroe, LA 71201
tel (318) 325-8120
fax (318) 325-9165