Texas Governor Greg Abbott has set into motion federal aid for Texans hammered by last month's severe storms and flooding. Affected residents in Angelina, Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Orange, Sabine, San Augustine, and Tyler counties might just be getting the help they need as the Small Business Administration (SBA) green-lights a disaster declaration, as announced on Governor Abbott's official website.
In the wake of the early April devastation, the SBA has opened up the coffers, offering low-interest loans to home and business owners alike. "For Texans who have been impacted by storms and flooding last month, this SBA disaster declaration will help them access the crucial financial assistance they need to recover and rebuild," Abbott quoted on his website. These loans include Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program aids.
East Texans who are in dire straits can apply online, as directed on the SBA site. The SBA is making efforts to ensure assistance is within reach, offering detailed guidelines and downloadable applications. Those needing additional support can reach out to SBA’s Customer Service Center or email for further guidance. And for those impaired in hearing or speech, there's a telecommunication relay service on standby.
All this comes in the aftermath of what can only be described as Abbott's full-throttle response: readied state emergency resources, mobilization ahead of the storm, and additional resources deployed to combat the severe conditions. The governor also declared an official disaster for the East Texas counties sunk by the brutal weather. In the latest act of advocacy, Abbott wrangled a disaster declaration from the SBA for Jasper County and its neighbors, battered by the storm's impact.
Residents and business owners raring to get back on their feet should mail their completed loan applications to the SBA's Processing and Disbursement Center. Abbott's commitment to harnessing state and federal support paints a picture of a community poised to rise from the floodwaters, stronger and steadied by the support it's now promised.
