Encourages coastal counties to learn more about opportunities available 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today announced that low-interest rate disaster loans would be available for homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations from the U.S. Small Business Administration for a number of Georgia counties recovering from the effects of Hurricane Matthew.

The Georgia counties that are eligible for both physical damage and economic injury loans from the Small Business Administration include Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, McIntosh and Wayne counties.

In addition, the Georgia counties whose homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations are eligible for economic injury loans include Appling, Brantley, Camden, Candler, Emanuel, Evans, Jenkins, Liberty, Long, Pierce, Screven and Tattnall.

“I appreciate the quick work from everyone to ensure Georgians have the opportunity to seek recovery aid following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew,” said Isakson. “Governor Deal promptly made requests for disaster declarations, and I appreciate the president’s quick response that paved the way for immediate recovery efforts. I hope that Georgia homeowners, small businesses and non-profit organizations will use this opportunity to find needed assistance.”

The application deadline for physical damage loans is Dec. 12, 2016, and the application deadline for economic inquiry loans is July 17, 2017.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors should register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by mobile device at m.fema.gov or call the toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY).

The SBA offers several ways to apply for a disaster loan: online application via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; visit a recovery center for one-one-one assistance; or download an application from www.sba.gov/disaster. For information or to request application forms, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or send an email to mailto:disastercustomerservice@sba.gov (link sends e-mail). Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

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