Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 17, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

SBA declares disaster in eight Washington counties

OLYMPIA — As a result of Gov. Gary Locke's request to the federal government for help to recover from recent winter storms, eight Washington counties now qualify for help from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance program.

The SBA issued a disaster declaration to help residents and business owners of property damaged by the recent landslides, flooding and high winds that began in late January. The SBA help is available for Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pierce and Thurston counties. Locke had issued an emergency proclamation last week to begin the process of applying for federal aid.

"We're extremely pleased with the SBA's fast turnaround on our request," Locke said.

The SBA will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan may help homeowners, renters and business owners recover from disaster damage, and they will provide one-on-one help with application forms.

Homeowners, renters and non-farm businesses of all sizes are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans if they suffered property damages to their homes or businesses as a result of landslides, flooding and high winds in the eight counties. Homeowners can apply for loans of up to $200,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. In some cases, the SBA also can refinance existing mortgages up to $200,000. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

The SBA said small businesses may apply for economic injury disaster loans of up to $1.5 million if they have been financially affected by the disaster.

The SBA will set up offices at four locations:

Bainbridge Island: Bainbridge Island Commons, 420 Bjune Drive

Bremerton: U.S. Bank, 607 Pacific Ave.

Poulsbo: North Sound Bank, 19950 – 7th Ave. NE

Tumwater: Thurston County Youth Service Center, 1520 Irving St. SW

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