© 2024 WNIJ and WNIU
Northern Public Radio
801 N 1st St.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-9000
Northern Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Northwest Illinois Victims Of July Floods Are Now Eligible For SBA Loans

U.S. Government/SBA

People and businesses in northwestern Illinois affected by severe storms and flooding in July are now eligible for federal help. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner made the announcement Tuesday.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s approval of the state request for assistance means people and businesses in Stephenson and the surrounding Illinois counties of Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle and Winnebago who were affected by flooding are now eligible to apply for low-interest, long-term loans to help them recover from the disaster.

Northwest Illinois was hit by multiple severe storms July 19-22 with high winds and heavy rains, resulting in extensive flash flooding. That, and significant flooding that followed, prompted a state disaster declarationfor the area by the governor soon after.  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied a request for assistance, saying the situation did not meet its standard for the issuance of disaster relief grants or other aid.

Credit U.S. Government/SBA

The SBA decision means victims of the July storms have at least some recourse beyond the private sector for help as they repair their homes and businesses.

Those wanting more information or to apply for a loan should contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800)877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

Guy Stephens produces news stories for the station, and coordinates our online events calendar, PSAs and Arts Calendar announcements. In each of these ways, Guy helps keep our listening community informed about what's going on, whether on a national or local level. Guy's degrees are in music, and he spent a number of years as a classical host on WNIU. In fact, after nearly 20 years with Northern Public Radio, the best description of his job may be "other duties as required."
Related Stories