The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a disaster declaration for Brantley County following a request from Deputy Director of Recovery Valarie Grooms.
Grooms’ decision, issued May 26, is the federal government extending fire victims a lifeline. Two days later (Thursday, May 28), SBA announced it will be offering low-interest federal disaster loans to victims.
Representatives will explain the application process and help individuals complete applications inside the Brantley County Courthouse in the Tax Assessors office.
“I encourage everyone impacted to visit the Disaster Loan Outreach Center and apply for assistance,” said GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb. “Individuals affected by these wildfires don’t have to walk through this process alone.”
Applicants may apply online using the Elec tronic Loan Application by visiting the SBA’s website https://lending.sba.gov. They also can contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by emailing disastercustomerservice@ sba.gov or by phoning (800) 659-2955.
Administrator Kelly Loeffler toured the fire area May 15 and voiced voiced her and the government’s commitment to Brantley County for disaster recovery assistance. For businesses, loans can be up to $2 million while homeowners can receive $500,000 and renters $100,000.
Applications for assistance must be submitted by midnight, July 15. To qualify, applicants must reside in either in Brantley, Glynn and Clinch counties, the locations of Gov. Brian Kemp’s April 22 disaster declaration.
Applicants must provide a driver’s license or other governmental documentation to prove residency in an eligible county.
Assistance is for housing relief only.
