Over $30 Million in SBA Disaster Loans Approved for Georgia Residents

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced yesterday that it has approved over $30 million in federal low-interest disaster loans to Georgia homeowners, renters and businesses who sustained damages as a result of the severe storms and flooding that occurred from September 18 through October 8, 2009 in Georgia.

“Currently, 843 SBA disaster loans for homes and businesses have been approved in the amount of $30,057,000 for affected victims,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East. “We are pleased to be able to approve these loans so the residents and businesses of Georgia can start to rebuild and resume their normal lives.”

“Assisting individuals and business owners to recover from a disaster is our primary mission,” Skaggs added. “We are encouraging anyone affected by this disaster to visit one of the Centers located throughout the disaster area to obtain individual assistance with completing their loan applications from our representatives. I ask anyone who has not completed their disaster loan application to do so and return the application as soon as possible.”

Homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes in the following counties in Georgia are eligible to apply for both SBA’s Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker.

SBA offers EIDLs to help meet working capital needs of small businesses, and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes. Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following counties are eligible to apply only for Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Banks, Barrow, Butts, Clayton, Dade, Dawson, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Meriwether, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Spalding, Troup, Walton and Whitfield in Georgia; Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb and Randolph in Alabama; Oconee in South Carolina; and Hamilton County in Tennessee. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace their damaged or destroyed primary residence. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to homeowners and businesses to help with the cost of making improvements that prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage in the future.

Interest rates are as low as 2.750 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Anyone unable to visit one of the Centers may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (or 1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications may be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Applications may be returned to any of the Centers or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76155.

Georgia disaster victims may visit SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

SBA Disaster Assistance Tops $1 Million; Urges Return of Disaster Loan Applications

(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than $1 million in U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans have been approved for disaster victims in Georgia as a result of damages caused by severe storms and flooding that began on September 18, 2009.

“Currently, 30 disaster loans have been approved in the amount of $1,165,200 for affected victims,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East. “We are pleased to be able to get these loans approved so the residents and businesses of Georgia can start rebuilding and begin resuming their normal lives.”

Victims are urged to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing impaired. “If you were issued an SBA loan application, complete and return the application to the SBA before the November 23 deadline, even if you don’t want a loan. If the SBA is not able to approve a home loan, you may be referred to FEMA for possible grant assistance. I encourage anyone who has not completed their disaster loan application to do so and return the application as soon as possible,” Skaggs added.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. The SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage in the future.

For small businesses, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 2.750 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, victims must first call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Anyone may obtain an SBA Disaster Loan application or program information by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (or 1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT (including the holiday, Monday October 12) or by emailing our customer service center at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications may be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Applications may be returned to one of the Centers or mailed to: U. S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76155.

Victims may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Dekalb County Flood Victims 'Left High and Dry,' Overlooked for Federal Assistance

/PRNewswire/ -- DeKalb County Commissioner Lee May held a press conference to demand state and federal support for victims of the recent Georgia floods on Friday, September 25, at 10 a.m. at the Manuel Maloof Center located at 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur.

Recently, Governor Sonny Perdue's office announced that Carroll, Cobb, Paulding, Douglas and Cherokee counties were issued a federal disaster declaration, while 17 additional Georgia counties hang in the balance.

"For some reason, DeKalb County was overlooked for this federal declaration. With hundreds of homes devastated and destroyed in DeKalb, our residents are left high and dry without the proper resources and federal backing to help families in need," said Commission May, whose family was evacuated by a DeKalb County fire & rescue team during the storms. "The recent floods have destroyed thousands of homes across the metro area and claimed the lives of 9 individuals. Now, insurance companies are refusing to assist homeowners throughout the state of Georgia."

"The devastation didn't stop at the county line," added Commissioner May. "I had more than 200 families in attendance at my emergency meeting for flood victims. We need Vice President Joe Biden and others to understand the severity and impact these floods have had throughout Georgia and to act on it."

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

SBA Urges Return of Disaster Loan Applications; Physical Deadline June 22-Three Weeks Remain

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding those with damages from the March 26 through April 13, 2009, storms to return their completed applications as soon as possible. Waiting to file an SBA application could cause unnecessary delays in receiving disaster assistance. The deadline to file for physical damages is June 22, 2009. Victims are urged to complete and return their disaster loan application before the deadline.

More than $1 million in U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans have been approved for residents and business owners in Georgia. “Currently, 30 disaster home loans and 3 businesses have been approved in the amount of $1,246,300 for affected victims,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of Field Operations Center East.

The disaster declaration covers Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Camden, Coffee, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Tattnall, Tift, Ware, Wheeler and Worth counties in Georgia, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private, non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Calhoun, Candler, Charlton, Clay, Clinch, Cook, Crisp, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Grady, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Seminole, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Wayne and Wilcox in Georgia; Henry and Houston in Alabama; and Baker, Columbia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison and Nassau in Florida.

Many residents and businesses that registered with FEMA for assistance have received an SBA disaster loan application. Completing the loan application and returning it is a crucial step toward disaster recovery. Homeowners and renters unable to obtain a disaster loan from the SBA may be referred to FEMA for grant consideration. To be eligible for these grants, applicants must submit their SBA loan application even if they do not want a loan. No one is required to accept a loan. To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, please call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses of any size and most private non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and other business assets.

The interest rates for these loans are as low as 2.187 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses with loan terms up to 30 years. Actual terms are set by the SBA, and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To obtain an SBA Disaster Loan application or program information, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (or 1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications may also be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance and returned to one of the Centers or mailed to: U. S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76155.

Additionally, victims may apply for disaster loans on SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The deadline for physical loan applications is June 22, 2009; the deadline for economic injury applications is January 23, 2010.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

Update on Tornado Damage to Southwestern State Hospital in Thomas County

A tornado struck Southwestern State Hospital in Thomasville early Thursday morning, causing extensive structural damage but no injuries to patients or hospital staff. The mental health facility is operating under secured emergency conditions but is not admitting new patients at this time.

An adult mental health unit building that includes forensic patients sustained severe damage. No incidents or injuries occurred, and all patients were safely evacuated to other buildings on the hospital campus. Later on Thursday, forensic patients were transferred to West Central Georgia Regional Hospital in Columbus. Some of the remaining patients were transferred to community-based mental health services or were released to their families with physician approval. 158 patients remain safely on campus.

Southwestern State Hospital continues to be on full diversion to either West Central Georgia Regional Hospital in Columbus or Central State Hospital in Milledgeville. The hospital’s diversion status is frequently evaluated and new admissions will be permitted as soon as possible.

New patients from the following counties are currently being diverted to West Central Georgia Regional Hospital in Columbus:

Baker
Calhoun
Dougherty
Early
Lee
Miller
Carroll
Worth
Colquitt
Decatur
Grady
Mitchell
Seminole
Thomas
New patients from the following counties are currently being diverted to Central State Hospital in Milledgeville:

Tift
Turner
Ben Hill
Berrien
Brooks
Echols
Irwin
Lanier
Lowndes

Southwestern State Hospital is operated by the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

Valve Failure Causes Humidity Damage at Georgia Museum of Art

Approximately 25 paintings from the permanent collection at the Georgia Museum of Art appear to have been compromised to varying extents by moisture created when an HVAC valve failed in a storage room. The problem was discovered Sunday morning, Jan. 4, about 10 a.m. when a security supervisor making a routine check noticed elevated humidity in one of the museum's storage rooms. The valve failure caused humid air to blow into the storage area which is used to house paintings, framed works on paper, folk art, Asian objects and objects of decorative art.

The museum security officer notified UGA Police, who contacted UGA Physical Plant per the museum's emergency procedure. Museum staff immediately arrived to move the threatened objects to safety and to begin damage assessment. Employees of the Physical Plant and the Office of University Architects repaired the HVAC valve and remedied the humidity problem. The museum conservator will need at least a week to ascertain damage levels and to develop conservation solutions specific to each piece. One mid-19th century American painting by artist William Haseltine sustained paint loss and is apparently the most seriously damaged work.

"Thanks to quick and effective action by the staff, the damage was limited to a relatively small group of works," said William U. Eiland, director of the museum. "While indeed regrettable, it could have been much worse."

"In preparation for the museum's upcoming expansion and renovation, most loaned items had already been returned to their owners and much of the permanent collection already sequestered," added Annelies Mondi, deputy director of the museum.

Due to the reactions moisture produces in paintings, a full conservation report cannot be made until the damaged objects return to their original level of moisture. Moisture and water cause the support on which paint is applied, for instance canvas or wood, to expand, often at a different rate from the paint itself, while dehydration has the opposite effect. Therefore, some damage to the paintings may be revealed during the slow drying process.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

Fay Damages Crops in 31 Georgia Counties

Tropical Storm Fay brought much needed rainfall to Georgia in late August, but it caused $159 million in damage to crops in 31 south Georgia counties, according to a University of Georgia economic impact study.

Colquitt, Mitchell and Brooks counties in southwest Georgia were the hardest hit by the storm.
Conducted by the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, the study evaluated the damage five weeks after the storm and the resulting economic impact it had in the area, said Archie Flanders, an economist with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

“We released a production value loss report a few days after the storm, but it’s difficult to determine the full extent of damage for many crops immediately after a weather event,” Flanders said. “Harvesting of some crops had begun at the time of the storm, but other crops were weeks away from harvest.”

Crop conditions can improve after a storm, but the potential for disease pressure is also a lingering concern, he said.

The storm caused $54 million in damage to vegetable crops, or 70 percent of the expected value, Flanders said. Ninety-eight percent of the vegetable losses occurred in Colquitt County alone.
A quarter of the cotton crop in the affected counties was lost, totaling $62 million in damage.

Pecans had the third greatest loss from the storm with 29 percent of the expected production value lost, or $21.1 million, Flanders said.

Peanut suffered $10 million in damage, or eight percent of the expected value. The storm knocked almost $5 million off the value of tobacco in the area and $1 million off the soybeans.
“Economic changes in agriculture reach other sectors of the state economy," he said.

Though the storm cost farmers $159 million in potential income, the lack of that money has a ripple effect, costing the economy another $108 million in potential revenue. Fay’s blow cost Georgia a total of $267 million.

By Sharon Dowdy
University of Georgia

Sharon Dowdy is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

News to Use in Fayetteville, Valdosta, Atlanta, Peachtree City and all of Georgia

Trees Fall Victim to Georgia's Drought

An increasing number of trees are falling victim to Georgia’s ongoing drought, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission. “The lack of rainfall is impacting shade trees and has also caused a decrease in timber production for the past growing season,” said James Johnson, GFC Staff Forester. “Both pine trees and hardwoods are dying, but species within the red oak group in urban areas are prompting the most attention. Homeowners should be taking preventive measures now,” he said, “because by the time obvious symptoms appear, it may be too late.”

Johnson said large trees require several hundred gallons of water each day to stay healthy, but any supplemental water applied will be beneficial. Trees should be watered thoroughly underneath their “drip line,” the area beneath the canopy where rainfall drips to the ground from the tree’s foliage and where “feeder roots” transport moisture to the trunk.

“Certain types of “gray water” can be used to sustain your trees,” explained Johnson. “Water from dish or clothes washing can be used without fear because they are diluted solutions that won’t harm the tree.”

Johnson said drought-stressed trees should not be fertilized because that can spur branch growth and put further strain on the tree’s limited water supply. One thorough watering each week is more effective than several light waterings, according to Johnson. “Trees suffering from the drought are also more susceptible to diseases and insects,” Johnson said, “so check them regularly to prevent damage.” Johnson recommended mulching to help hold moisture in the soil, which is especially beneficial for shallow-rooted species such as dogwood. As cooler weather approaches, trees will require less moisture and supplemental water isn’t necessary, according to Johnson.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Jekyll Island Spared by Fay

PRNewswire/ -- Jekyll Island, located off the coast of Georgia near Brunswick and approximately 60 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida reports today that NO SERIOUS DAMAGE was sustained. Rain and wind caused some debris, and maintenance crews are finishing clean-up and minor repair efforts. ALL PUBLIC AMENITIES ARE OPEN, and access to the island is open and clear. The Sidney Lanier Bridge, which connects Hwy. 17 from Brunswick opened Saturday after being closed briefly due to high winds last week.

The Jekyll Island Golf facility was open Sunday, with the Pine Lakes course open for play. Indian Mound course will open Tuesday, and Oleander will open Saturday 8/30.

Summer Waves Water Park on Jekyll Island was open Sunday, and will operate its normal schedule of weekends and holidays now through September.

No damage was sustained to any historic structures in the Jekyll Island Historic District, and the Museum is open and operating a normal tour schedule.

All beaches are open and accessible. All hotels and rental cottages are open.

Debris removal is in high gear and preparations are underway for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. Guests will be able to enjoy the beautiful beach and island amenities during this traditional beach holiday weekend. Some hotel rooms are still available; check the website at www.jekyllisland.com .

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com

Oxendine: Insured Losses From Tuesday's Storms Estimated At $6 Million, Expectd To Rise

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine said insured losses from
Tuesday night’s storms in Cherokee and North Fulton Counties is estimated at $6 million, though that amount will probably rise as more damage reports come in.

“This morning (May 21, 2008) I documented damage in communities north of Atlanta that was quite extensive,” Oxendine said. “As we get more reports from insurance companies, I expect the loss amount will have to be adjusted upward.”

Oxendine reminds Georgians that they can call his Consumer Services Division at 404-
656-2070 or, outside the Metro area, 1-800-656-2298, if they have questions about a claim, or if they are experiencing difficulty reaching their insurance company. Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Consumers with damaged property can take the following steps to begin the claims-filing
process:

* Contact your insurance agent immediately if you have had damage to either your house
or car; do not delay. Your agent should provide you with claims forms and arrange for an
insurance adjuster to visit your property or look at your automobile.

* Secure your property. For example, if your roof was damaged or blown off, or a tree
has punctured the roof, cover the affected area with a tarp or plywood to protect your property
from further damage. Keep receipts of materials used for repairs; your insurance company will
reimburse you for repair costs.