Governor announces SBA will provide low-interest loans for those affected by fires in Lewiston

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that the Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved his request for emergency low-interest loans, following the recent apartment house fires in the City of Lewiston. Low-interest disaster loans will be made available to property owners, residents and other local businesses affected by the fires.

“We are pleased that the SBA can offer support to those whose lives were disrupted by these fires,” Governor LePage said. “The people and businesses of Maine have given generously to assist those left homeless by the fires. Now these low-interest loans from the SBA are also available to help them get back on their feet.”

The Governor added that SBA assistance is available not just to those with property damage, but possibly for businesses that have lost revenue as a result of the fires.

The SBA can provide loans of up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. In addition, businesses suffering damage could receive loans to help repair or replace damaged property and for loss of business.

The following application information has been provided by the SBA:

A Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open at Lewiston City Hall next week. SBA customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help with loan applications.

Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Lewiston City Hall, 27 Pine Street in Lewiston

Opening: Tuesday, June 4 at 8 a.m.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, June 4–6

Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center in person may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing), or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.