MIAMI – Businesses and residents affected by the intense storms and flooding that occurred between June 11 and June 14, 2024, can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA).
“We want to ensure that all of our residents affected by recent weather events can access the resources they need to repair their properties and protect them from situations like this in the future,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
“Our community is facing increasing challenges posed by climate change, so we must ensure our homes and infrastructure are resilient and future-proof.”
According to a county press release that reached our newsroom this Friday, July 12, property owners affected by the flooding They must submit their applications for physical damage, without an appointment, before August 30, 2024 at the Disaster Loan Information Centers located at the branch of the Northeast Dade Library in Aventura, 2930 NE 199th Street, Aventura, FL 33180, this Friday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday, July 13 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
The other available center is located in the North Dade Regional Library, 2455 NW 183rd Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33056, will be open to the public on Monday, July 15 from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm. Also, Tuesday, July 16 through Friday, July 19 from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday, July 20 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
For its part, those affected by economic damages have until April 1, 2025 to submit their applications to the SBA.
Private businesses and non-profit organizations can apply for loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and other business assets affected by the disaster. Small agricultural enterprises and agricultural cooperatives are included.
Homeowners can access loans of up to 500,000 dollars to repair or replace damaged goods, while Tenants could get up to $100,000 to repair their damaged personal property.
Those affected who submit applications for damage to their property are eligible to request an increase of up to 20% of the amount of the loan for future mitigation purposesThat is, to upgrade water pumps, a drainage ditch, or a retaining wall to help protect the property from future damage.
For information on available assistance and resources, interested parties can call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email (email protected). Persons with hearing or speech disabilities may dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Following the flooding, Miami-Dade County Emergency Management created a damage assessment survey tool that helped the County qualify for SBA assistance and provide relief to those affected.
(email protected)
