Governor Abbott Announces SBA Assistance For East Texas Storms, Flooding

Governor Greg Abbott disclosed today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has given the green light to his appeal for a disaster declaration in Texas regions hit by severe weather and flooding in early April. The designated Texas counties encompass Angelina, Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Orange, Sabine, San Augustine, and Tyler counties.

"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," expressed Governor Abbott. He stressed that affected individuals in these regions will be eligible for low-interest loans to kickstart the restoration process of their storm-damaged residences and businesses.

The SBA has unlocked its Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for applicants in the affected communities. These loans aim to provide financial relief to qualifying homeowners, renters, and businesses following the severe weather and flooding that commenced on April 8.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply online, gather additional disaster assistance details, and access applications at sba.gov/disaster. Further information on SBA disaster assistance can be obtained by reaching out to SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or via email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

In consideration of individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, telecommunication relay services can be accessed by dialing 7-1-1. Completed applications should be sent by mail to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Governor Abbott remains committed to deploying all available resources to aid local communities in the aftermath of the severe storms and flooding that struck East Texas early in April. This commitment includes preparing state emergency response resources in advance of severe weather threats, mobilizing state emergency response resources in anticipation of impending storms, and issuing a disaster declaration for the impacted East Texas counties. Additionally, Governor Abbott has requested an SBA declaration for disaster loans for Jasper County and its surrounding counties post the storm impacts.