WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced new federal disaster relief resources for businesses in the Buckeye Lake region. Earlier this week Brown – along with U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), U.S. Reps. Pat Tiberi (R-OH-12) and Steve Stivers (R-OH-15) – urged the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to designate Fairfield, Licking, and Perry Counties as federal disaster areas.

“This designation is welcome news for business owners at Buckeye Lake,” Brown said. “The SBA acted swiftly because businesses in this region are so important to central Ohio’s economy. While just part of the solution, this lending assistance will help businesses rebuild and get back on their feet.”

This federal disaster designation, which the Governor formally requested this week, will provide funding to businesses impacted by the lower water levels – causing decreased tourism revenue – at Buckeye Lake while construction of a new dam is underway. In addition to Fairfield, Licking and Perry Counties, businesses in Athens, Coshocton, Delaware, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Morgan, Muskingum, and Pickaway Counties are also eligible for funding.

SBA provides low-interest loans up to $2 million for businesses in counties that are designated as federal disaster areas. The rates on these loans are four percent for small businesses and 2.625 percent for nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years.  Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or by calling SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955. Loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster.

Full text of the letter is here and below. 

August 18, 2015

Ms. Maria Contreras-Sweet

Administrator

U.S. Small Business Administration

409 Third Street, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20416


Dear Administrator Contreras-Sweet:

As members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation, we are writing in support of Ohio Governor John R. Kasich’s request for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to designate Fairfield, Licking, and Perry Counties as federal disaster areas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently classified the dam at Buckeye Lake as in imminent danger of catastrophic failure, leading state officials to lower the water level on April 20, 2015 in order to alleviate pressure.

While plans are in place to construct a new dam, the lower lake level has dramatically decreased tourism activity in the area, costing small businesses throughout the Buckeye Lake region. The Ohio Development Services Agency has submitted with its application numerous estimated disaster economic injury worksheets from small businesses located within the three county region, detailing severe economic hardship.  Several small businesses have provided actual revenue statements of their losses, as required by the SBA.  SBA disaster resources would provide much-needed relief in the form of low-interest loans that can be used to pay fixed debts, make payroll, and take care of other bills during the dam construction process.

We believe federal assistance is necessary to help the Ohioans in these counties.  We fully support Governor Kasich’s request for a federal disaster declaration, and urge your office to provide full and fair consideration to this disaster declaration request. 

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.


                                                            Sincerely,

 

 

Sherrod Brown                                                                                    Rob Portman

United States Senator                                                                          United States Senator

 

Pat Tiberi                                                                                            Steve Stivers

Member of Congress                                                                           Member of Congress

 


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