Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse Welcome SBA Changes to Expand Eligibility for Families Rebuilding after Marshall Fire

Statement

Today, Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Colorado U.S. Representative Joe Neguse applauded news that the Small Business Administration (SBA) is updating the formula used to calculate the Disaster Loan Program amount survivors can borrow to rebuild after the Marshall Fire. The announcement means Marshall Fire survivors will be able to borrow an amount that better reflects today's building costs.

The announcement follows a letter Bennet, Hickenlooper, and Neguse sent to SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman in March urging the SBA to update the formula used in loan calculations because they no longer reflected actual building costs in Colorado. They also called on SBA to increase the overall maximum of a loan to better reflect housing prices in 2022. The maximum was last updated in 1994.

Marshall Fire survivors can learn more about the SBA Disaster Loan Program, including how to apply, HERE.

"I'm pleased to see SBA expand access to disaster loans for survivors of the Marshall Fire," said Bennet. "This disaster tore through our communities, leaving millions of dollars in damage and destruction. As Coloradans continue to rebuild, we will keep working with the administration to ensure survivors can access the federal support needed to help cover the cost of reconstruction."

"SBA Disaster Loans are a lifeline for survivors," said Hickenlooper. "Updating how SBA calculates building costs is a great first step, but we also need to update borrowing limits to reflect today's all-time high home prices."

"Today's announcement is an important step for the thousands of families impacted by the Marshall Fire," said Neguse. "The initial estimates of the damage caused did not accurately reflect the actual costs of rebuilding nor did they take into account the length of time such efforts will take. We will keep pushing for proper support of all Coloradans impacted by this unprecedented disaster until all of our communities can fully recover."

Specifically, the announcement will double the geographic multiplier used for the Disaster Loan Assistance Home and Personal Property Loans Program to compensate for higher building costs in Colorado.

Low-interest SBA disaster loans support those looking to replace or repair their primary residence and personal effects. The maximum amount a homeowner can borrow to rebuild is $200,000 and has not changed since 1994, despite inflation and rising home values. The maximum loan amount to replace household and personal effects is $40,000 and has not been raised since 1994.

Source