Governor asks for federal aid to storm-tossed county

PEARL RIVER COUNTY — Gov. Phil Bryant has requested federal disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration for Pearl River County as a result of tornadoes and severe storms Christmas Day.

Bryant’s request for SBA assistance is based upon joint damage assessments conducted by local, state and SBA officials. Pearl River County received large amounts of damage including 81 homes and businesses being impacted.

If approved, the SBA would provide low interest loans for homeowners, renters and business owners in Pearl River and counties that border it, to repair or replace disaster damaged personal property such as furniture and clothing or to repair disaster damaged primary residences and businesses.

“While there is not sufficient damage statewide to qualify for federal disaster grants from FEMA, we are committed to doing what we can to help our citizens recover,” said Bryant. “The SBA disaster loans would provide much needed financial assistance to help people rebuild their homes and businesses at a lower interest rate than is widely available on the open market.”