Gov. Gregoire requests disaster aid for businesses affected by December snowfall

For Immediate Release: January 29, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire this week requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration declare an economic injury disaster for businesses in all of Washington�s 39 counties because of the December snowstorms.

�The declaration can be a major boost in helping business owners recover from the effects of the snowstorms in an already difficult economic environment,� Gregoire said. �I urge the SBA to take prompt action on this request so small business owners can apply for low-interest loans to obtain working capital for their businesses.�

Gregoire�s request certifies that small businesses in the state have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the storm and are in need of financial assistance not otherwise available on reasonable terms.

In all, the Governor�s request includes descriptions of economic injuries to businesses in 18 counties. The additional 21 counties can be added to the request because they are contiguous to the primary reporting counties.