SBA Loans Now Available In Northport Following June 19 Flooding

NORTHPORT, AL — Officials confirm that while the state of Alabama failed to reach the monetary threshold for a federal disaster declaration following the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Claudette, residents of the county will now have the option to apply for disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

A representative from the SBA will be set up in Northport City Hall, beginning Tuesday, to take applications and answer questions through Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. Bilingual services will be offered in person for those who visit City Hall.

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Tuscaloosa County EMA Director Nick Lolley confirmed to Patch on Monday that while Tuscaloosa County met the necessary damage threshold for the county, the state did not meet the $7.5 million in storm damage that would then make Alabama eligible for a federal disaster declaration.

As Patch previously reported, 96 homes in Northport were impacted in some way by the flooding, with five houses destroyed and 38 sustaining major damage. Additionally, officials estimate $2.94 million in damage for Northport on June 19, along with $409,418 in damage for the City of Tuscaloosa.

Other Tuscaloosa County residents outside of Northport will also be eligible to apply for the SBA disaster assistance loans.

On Tuesday, Lolley said approximately $5 million in damage was reported countywide to public infrastructure and facilities during the June 19 significant weather event, while individuals saw roughly $3 million in damage.

"If you have any questions please come down or call SBA, because they will have your answers and that is where you will be getting your loan from," Lolley said.

SBA Public Affairs Specialist Chasity Reid told Patch that homeowners or business owners who apply will need to present their photo ID, along with proof of any flood or homeowners insurance and proof of income to show their ability to pay back the disaster assistance loans.

Three different kinds of disaster loans will be available, covering: physical damage to businesses, economic injury due to storm damage or home disaster loans to cover private, residential damage.

What's more, the SBA will also offer mitigation funding to qualifying residents that will provide financial assistance to cover the costs of improvements that will protect property from future events.

The deadline to report physical damage from Tropical Storm Claudette will be Sept. 20, while the deadline for economic injury disaster loans will be April 22, 2022.

Those in need of assistance can apply online here or visit Northport City Hall to speak with a representative in person through the first week of August. The SBA will also operate special hours this Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Applicants can also call the SBA at (800) 659-2955.

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