Middle TN Counties Receive Tornado Disaster Declarations

April 24, 2009, WASHINGTON, D.C. – To help residents rebuild in the wake of the Good Friday tornadoes, the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) issued federal disaster declarations today for eight Middle Tennessee counties.  These declarations will allow individuals and businesses apply for federal loans for storm-related property damage.

“These disaster declarations were essential,” said Congressman Bart Gordon.  “The tornadoes caused damage throughout Middle Tennessee and ravaged some communities.  Now, residents who had limited or no property insurance can apply for low-interest loans and begin rebuilding.”

A federal disaster declaration was issued for Rutherford County, which experienced the most damage, in addition to seven adjacent counties affected by the April 10th storms, including Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Davidson, Marshall, Williamson and Wilson County.  The declarations make disaster loans available to uninsured or underinsured home and business owners who experienced storm-related damage.  Loans are also available to businesses that cannot meet financial obligations as a direct result of the disaster.

“On Tuesday, April 28th, the SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Murfreesboro,” explained Gordon. “The Center will answer questions about the federal disaster loans and help individuals complete their applications.”

The SBA Disaster Center will operate out of the Rutherford County Emergency Management Agency located at 1220 West College Street in Murfreesboro.  It will be open on April 28th-May 1st from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; May 2nd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and, May 4th-May 7th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The Outreach Center will officially close down on May 7th.

If your home or business experienced damage as a result of the April 10th storms and you have questions about the disaster loans, you can also contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Hotline, toll-free, at 1-800-659-2955.  Additionally, you can find more information about the loans by reading the SBA Disaster Loans Fact Sheet, which can be found on Gordon’s Tornado Center webpage (www.bart.house.gov/tornado).