Homeowners, renters and non-farm businesses in St. Charles Parish that suffered losses caused by the severe weather and flooding that took place in December can receive low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Association.
In December, more than 25.43 inches of rain fell on the area, according to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. That total broke the record for rainfall in any month at the official weather station for New Orleans.
The earlier record was 21.18 inches in May of 1995.
The biggest problem in St. Charles came over a 24-hour span that started on Dec. 14 and lasted through Dec. 15. During that period, some areas in Luling and Paradis received more than 13 inches of rain, according to Parish President V.J. St. Pierre.
Overall, 113 homes and businesses reported damage caused by the flooding.
Homeowners can receive loans of up to $200,000 to replace real estate damage and up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Renters may also qualify for up to $40,000 to repair personal property.
Businesses of any size, whether private or non-profit, can receive up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate, machinery or equipment, inventory and other assets that were damaged or destroyed. Small businesses and private non-profit organizations may also qualify for up to $2 million in economic injury loans for working capital to help pay obligations until normal operations resume, regardless of property loss.
March 15 is the deadline to apply for physical damage loans and Oct. 14 is the deadline to apply for economic injury loans.
St. Charles Parish residents are also advised to keep any denial letters in the event a presidential disaster is declared for the rain event in St. Charles.
By law, the interest rates depend on whether each applicant has credit available elsewhere. For more information about available rates, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
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