SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Station Fire Victims

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made available low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, property owners, renters, and businesses impacted by the Station Fire, which has destroyed or damaged 102 homes and 48 commercial properties mostly within the Angeles National Forest.  The SBA is making these low-interest loans available to help individuals and families cover the gap between the cost of rebuilding and the amount of insurance settlements. 

"Federal assistance is available now to help those directly impacted by the largest fire in Los Angeles County's modern history.  With this assistance, homeowners and businesses that lost their property during this devastating fire within the Angeles National Forest area can start to rebuild their homes and businesses," said Congressman Sherman.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.  Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.  Businesses may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property. 

SBA representatives will be on-hand at two locations in Acton and Sylmar to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, and help individuals complete loan applications.  The SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers will be open at the following locations on the indicated dates and times:

Acton

Acton Community Center

3748 Nickels Avenue

Open Sept 17, 9am-6pm

Sept 21, 28 and Oct 5, 9am-6pm

Sylmar

Veterans Memorial Park

13000 Sayre Street

Open Sept 17-18, 9am-7pm

Sept 19, 9am-2pm

Sept 21-24, 9am-7pm

Fire victims can also apply for disaster loans by calling the SBA toll-free at (800) 659-2955 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.  The deadline for filing disaster loan applications is November 13, 2009.