Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved his request for a disaster declaration in response to severe storms affecting South Texas last month. The declaration applies to Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, and San Patricio counties.

“With the approval of this disaster declaration, South Texans impacted by severe storms last month will have access to critical financial assistance they need to recover,” said Governor Abbott. He encouraged those who suffered storm damage to apply for low-interest loans to rebuild homes or businesses. Abbott also expressed gratitude towards the Texas Division of Emergency Management for their efforts in securing this declaration.

The SBA's assistance includes Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans, and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. These programs offer low-interest loans to eligible homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by the May storms and tornadoes.

Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster. Additional information is available through SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or via email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Telecommunications relay services are accessible by dialing 7-1-1 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Completed applications should be mailed to the U.S. Small Business Administration Processing and Disbursement Center in Fort Worth, TX.

An SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open tomorrow at 12:00 PM at 601 E. Main Street in Alice, TX 78332. The center will operate on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM to assist with application processes and inquiries about loan programs.

Governor Abbott remains committed to supporting local communities affected by recent severe weather events through various actions including requesting a federal disaster declaration and conducting joint preliminary damage assessments with local and federal partners.