The application period has opened to apply for federal disaster assistance, following floods that left parts of mid-Michigan underwater in late June.
Within the primary disaster area, which includes Bay, Gladwin, Isabella and Midland counties, federal disaster grants are available to help with immediate needs. Low-interest loans are also available to help with physical damage for homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits.
Small businesses and most non-profit organizations are also able to apply for low-interest economic injury loans within a larger area, including in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Ogemaw, Osceola, Roscommon, Saginaw, and Tuscola counties.
Interview: Representatives from FEMA and the Small Business Administration speak with WCMU's Mike Horace
The deadline for assistance tied to physical property damage is October 2, 2017. Businesses can also apply for economic injury assistance through May 2, 2018. Officials with FEMA and the Small Business Administration are encouraging flood victims to apply for assistance as soon as possible.
"The SBA is strongly committed to providing the people of Michigan with the most effective and customer-focused response possible," said Linda McMahon, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. "Getting businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA."
Businesses and nonprofits are able to apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace physical property damaged during the floods. And businesses can also apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, even if they did not suffer any damage during the floods.
Homeowners can also apply for up to $200,000 to replace damaged real estate. And homeowners and renters can apply for up to $40,000 in loans to repair or replace damaged personal property, including automobiles.
How to Apply for Disaster Assistance
Registration for all forms of assistance: http://www.disasterassistance.gov
Mobile registration: http://m.fema.gov
FEMA Phone Registration: 800-621-3362, or TTY 800-462-7585
SBA Loan Application Help: 800-659-2955, or TTY 800-877-8339
SBA Loan Application - Help via email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
Additional information about SBA Loan program: http://www.sba.gov/disaster
