Farmers and Others Affected by Winter Storms

For Immediate Release: Monday, March 09, 2009

Federal Loans Available to Eligible Businesses, Farmers and Others Affected by Winter Storms

Hillsboro, Oregon -- Federal help is available in the form of low-interest loans for citizens, homeowners, renters, businesses and farm-owners that suffered from the recent, record-breaking winter storms.

Residents in the Portland urban area endured a series of winter storms that brought 18.9 inches of snow to the region over a two-week period last December, the snowiest month in the area since 1969 according to the National Weather Service.

Damage to crops and structures suffered by Washington County nursery and greenhouse growers could total as much as $4.8 million according to the Oregon Association of Nurseries. Other businesses, renters and property owners also sustained significant losses.

• Federal agencies are offering these disaster-related loans:
  The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will make low-interest loans available to small businesses economically impacted by severe weather from December 14, 2008, to January 4, 2009. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster's impact. Business owners may apply online via SBA's secure Web site at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling toll-free (800) 659-2955 or e-mailing [email protected]. The hearing impaired may call (800) 877-8339.
• The SBA will also make low-interest disaster loans available to residents and business owners who were affected by the rainstorms that occurred immediately following the snow and ice event from January 1 through January 4, 2009. Homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations whose property was damaged during those four days in January may qualify for loans to replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, inventory and other business assets. The public can find out more about disaster loans and application forms at SBA's Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659 2955, e-mailing [email protected], or visiting SBA's Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877 8339.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) will make low-interest emergency loans to qualified nurseries, farms and ranch operations to help cover part of their actual physical losses caused by the winter storms from December 14, 2008, to December 26, 2008. Other agricultural assistance may be provided through the Emergency Conservation Program, Federal Crop Insurance and the Noninsurance Crop Disaster Assistance Program. Interested farmers may contact the local USDA Service Center serving Washington County in Hillsboro by calling (503) 648-3174. Additional information is also available online at: http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

Washington County urges the public to prepare for inclement weather and other situations that could impair the immediate delivery of public services. More information about individual and family preparedness can be found at www.take5tosurvive.com.

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