U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Hector Barreto, Rep. Jeb Bradley, Mayor Frank Guinta Tour Manchester Business Affected by Flooding
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATOR HECTOR BARRETO, REP. JEB BRADLEY, MAYOR FRANK GUINTA TOUR MANCHESTER BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY FLOODING
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Hector Barreto joined First District Congressman Jeb Bradley and Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta this morning for a tour of Manchester businesses affected by the recent severe flooding in the state. The three visited Jillian's Restaurant and Pub, located in Manchester's Millyard, and Econo Lodge, located on the City's West Side. Both businesses sustained extensive water damage from the flooding of the Merrimack River.
Congressman Bradley stated, "I am pleased that Administrator Barreto came to Manchester this morning to see firsthand the extent of the damage caused by the flooding and talk about the assistance available from the SBA. Having toured a number of communities across southern New Hampshire and seen the effect that the floods have had on homes, businesses and roads, federal assistance will be a vital component of the rebuilding process. SBA assistance will help those businesses affected by the flooding get back on their feet, and I encourage business owners to look into the federal assistance available."
Administrator Barreto stated, "SBA stands ready to assist the victims of the New England floods. Within the past year, we have upgraded our disaster loan processing system, expedited processes to eliminate red tape and re-established a significant force of trained disaster personnel who will work quickly and efficiently to get disaster funds into the hands of those affected.
"SBA has always had a strong commitment to assisting disaster victims. Our long-term, low-interest disaster loans provide applicants the opportunity to rebuild their homes or businesses for the long-run. As federal and state disaster recovery centers and business recovery centers are opened, we are prepared to have SBA disaster representatives present at every location to assist applicants through every step of the process. Our goal is to make this process as smooth and worry-free as possible for those affected as they begin to rebuild their homes, businesses and lives," Barreto concluded.
Mayor Guinta stated, "The recent floods have cause extensive damage to many small businesses in Manchester and its surrounding communities. I am very pleased that Congressman Bradley has brought SBA Administrator Barreto to Manchester to see first hand some of the affected businesses. It is my hope that this visit will play an important role in bringing the crucial financial relief to these businesses as they endeavor to rebuild."
President Bush declared a major disaster for six counties in New Hampshire last Friday, paving the way for federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as the SBA. Small businesses affected by the flooding may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans offered by the SBA. Businesses can obtain more information at www.sba.gov/disaster or by contacting Bradley's Manchester office for assistance. Individuals can register for FEMA assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.
http://www.house.gov/bradley/20060530_main.html