Disaster relief loans now available for East Texans

TYLER — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved Gov. Greg Abbott’s request for a disaster declaration for Texas communities affected by severe weather including many portions of East Texas. Texas counties in the disaster declaration include Angelina, Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Orange, Sabine, San Augustine and Tyler. The Trinity Fire and Rescue responded to multiple storm related calls including homes destroyed by a tornado and multiple calls of people trapped in flooded cars and houses.

According to our news partner KETK, on Tuesday Trinity County Judge Danny Martin issued a disaster declaration after determining that measures had to be taken to “alleviate the suffering of people and to protect and rehabilitate property.”

People can apply online and download applications on the SBA website. Applicants can also call SBA’s customer service center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information in disaster assistance.

In Polk County, a mandatory evacuation order and a disaster declaration was issued on Tuesday after the county faced “significant threats to life and property” due to heavy overnight rainfall that caused flooding in low-lying areas.

“For Texans who have been impacted by storms and flooding last month, this SBA disaster declaration will help them access the crucial financial assistance they need to recover and rebuild,” Abbott said. “Impacted Texans will be able to qualify for low-interest loans so they can begin to rebuild their homes and businesses that sustained storm damage.”

The SBA granted access to Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loan to provide homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the severe weather with low-interest loans.

“I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management for working with our federal partners to ensure Texans have the resources and assistance they need to move forward,” Abbott said.