Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 14, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Small Business Administration quickly approves Locke request for Friday Harbor disaster declaration

OLYMPIA – The U.S. Small Business Administration today approved Gov. Gary Locke’s request for an emergency economic injury disaster to assist Friday Harbor business owners affected by the devastating fire there on May 9. The governor made the request to the SBA on Tuesday.

“I want to thank SBA Administrator Barreto for acting on my request so expeditiously,” Locke said. “With this declaration, small business owners affected by the massive downtown fire may apply for low-interest loans to help them rebuild their lives.”

Locke made the request after inspecting damage to local businesses from the fire during a May 20 trip to Friday Harbor.

As a result of the declaration, small businesses affected by the fire will be able to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The 3.5 percent low-interest loans are designed to help small businesses meet financial obligations and operating expenses.

Small business owners may file applications until the close of business on March 14, 2003. In order to assist business owners apply for the low-interest disaster loans, the SBA will open a disaster office in Friday Harbor at the following location:

Islander’s Bank
Administration Building
545 Park St.
Friday Harbor

Applications may also be filed at:

U.S. Small Business Administration
Disaster Area 4 Office
P.O. Box 13795
Sacramento, CA 95853-4795

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Related Links:
- U.S. Small Business Association

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