FEMA Aid? Forget It

If you were counting on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help you cover the costs of the August 11 storm, think again. Verona township officials said today that they have gotten word that individual assistance from FEMA has been denied. Instead both business owners and homeowners are being invited to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). But you’ll have to hurry: The local SBA assistance Center is operating only through the end of his week.

The heavy rain on Saturday, August 11, flooded homes and businesses in many parts of town, even those not located near the Peckman River. Town officials estimated in September that the storm had caused nearly $1 million in damage.

An email sent out by the township says that SBA’s Customer Service Representatives will be available at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help individuals complete their applications. The Center is located at 225 Main Street in Little Falls, And will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. only through Friday, November 2.

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations can borrow up to $2 million while homeowners can borrow up to $200,000. Interest rates range from 2% for homeowners to 3.675% for businesses.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov. You can also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing).

The filing deadline for applications for physical property damage is December 24, 2018. The deadline for economic injury applications is July 24, 2019.