News Release
U.S. Small Business Administration
Contact:  Richard Jenkins
Release Number:  OK 11472-01
916-735-1500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 9, 2008

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Oklahoma Residents and Businesses Affected by the Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding in Kay County

SACRAMENTO - Sandy K. Baruah, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), today announced that low-interest disaster loans are now available to Oklahoma residents and business owners who were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred from September 11 through September 18, 2008 in Kay County.  SBA acted under its own authority to declare the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding a disaster following the October 6 denial of the state's request for a major disaster declaration.

By declaring a disaster, Acting Administrator Baruah's action makes the SBA assistance available.  The declaration covers the Oklahoma counties of Garfield, Grant, Kay, Noble and Osage and the Kansas counties of Cowley and Sumner.

"We look forward to working with Oklahoma and the people affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding and to make SBA disaster loans available to homeowners, renters and businesses," said Acting Administrator Baruah.

"Low-interest Federal disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed by the disaster," said, Dorothy Overal, SBA's Oklahoma District Director.  "SBA customer service representatives will be on hand beginning Friday, October 10 at 9 am at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA's disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application," she continued.  The center will be located in the following community and will be open on the days and time indicated:

Blackwell, OK
Blackwell Chamber of Commerce
120 S Main Street

Open Friday, October 10 through Thursday, October 30
Mondays thru Fridays 9 am - 6 pm

The center will close Thursday, October 30

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Emergency Management Office
221 W. Blackwell
Blackwell, OK 74631

Jim Inmon, Emergency Management Director

Administration:  580 363-0300
Fax:  580 363-0324

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