The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan outreach center, which opened earlier this month at the Lewis County Courthouse in Chehalis, was closed by Friday, March 20, according to Tana Morehead, public affairs specialist for the SBA Field Operation Center West.
Lewis County residents who had flood damage to their businesses, nonprofits, personal properties or rentals as a result of the severe storms — which caused flooding events throughout the region from Dec. 5 through Dec. 22 — were among those declared eligible by the SBA to receive disaster assistance loans.
Morehead spoke to The Chronicle over the phone and explained the outreach center at the county courthouse was being closed “at the request of the county.”
“Our information says that this location has had nominal activity, and that there’s no need to relocate,” Morehead said.
While some in the Twin Cities area did experience some flood damage, the worst flooding in Lewis County was out on the Cowlitz River near Packwood and Randle.
Recently, Morehead has been attending local municipal meetings and speaking during public comment periods in order to help get the word out about the SBA loans.
At the Mossyrock City Council meeting on Wednesday, March 18, Ellen Israel, another SBA public affairs specialist, stated the SBA disaster loan outreach center was still open at the Packwood Community Hall, located at 12935 U.S. Highway 12.
“I’ve had a lot of questions if the assistance can help people with mobile homes, and the answer is yes, as long as it’s your primary residence,” Israel said. “The loans can be used to (repair) any damages to them.”
Business owners are eligible to apply for up to $2 million in loan assistance for flood repairs through physical disaster loans. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 in loan funding for repairs, and both homeowners and renters can apply for up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property including vehicles, appliances, furniture and clothes.
“Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement,” an SBA news release added. “The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.”
The deadline to apply for a loan is April 27.
Hours for the Packwood SBA outreach center are Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Those interested in applying to SBA disaster assistance loans can also do so on the SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster.
