Bastrop, Tx–A temporary office of the US Small Business Administration opened in Bastrop on March 11 to provide help in applying for disaster recovery loans at low interest rates for victims who suffered losses from the Wilderness Ridge Fire between Bastrop and Smithville beginning Feb. 28.
The SBA aid office is at 104 Loop 150 West in Bastrop inside the suite occupied by the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management. The office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone who sustained residential, business or other economic losses as a result of the wildfire may be eligible for assistance, said officials.
They urged those who have been affected to visit the office for assistance in determining eligibility and to fill out aid applications. Up to $200,000 loans may be available to replace or repair real estate damage in addition to as much as $40,000 to replace or repair personal property. Renters may be eligible for loans to replace personal property lost in the blaze.
Business repair, replacement or relocation loans may be for up to $2 million. Home loan rates may be as low as 2.187 percent. Business and other loans may be as low as 4 percent.
Additional information about SBA disaster recovery help is available by calling (800) 659-2955 or online at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
The county’s emergency management office has also set up an Unmet Needs Committee to help find assistance for those who may not qualify for SBA loans. The county office can be reached at 303-4302.