Granite City residents offered loans after city’s insurance provider denies flood claims
That rain flooded streets, homes and businesses in
"We are one of the only communities who have received a (disaster) declaration," Hamilton said, noting that some cities affected by springtime flooding from the
"I really hope that residents and businesses take advantage of it," Falconio said. "That's the bottom line for me."
Homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofit organizations are eligible for SBA's disaster loans and funds from those loans can go toward homeowners and renters' repair costs and replacing damaged or destroyed personal property.
Residents in unincorporated
Homeowners are eligible for loans of up to
Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to
Interest rates on the loans can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.75 percent for nonprofits and 1.75 percent for homeowners and renters. Those loans can be paid off over a maximum of 30 years. Rates and loan terms are based on each applicant's financial situation.
According to the SBA, the loans have been made available in response to a letter from Pritzker requesting a disaster declaration from the agency.
Applications for physical property damage are due by
In September, Falconio and loss verification teams with the SBA toured the worst-affected areas of
Falconio said those seekings loans don't need to make an appointment and that consultation takes roughly 30 minutes.
Hamilton added that while the loans aren't the best option for every resident, for the time being, it may be the only help residents can get. The city was denied
"People don't always want to take on more loans and that's something we can understand," she said.
But some residents took to social media Wednesday to say the loans weren't enough help. Hamilton says it's their only option.
Others have called for the city to take more responsibility, due to
Those consultations are being held in town's city hall Monday through Friday from
Hamilton said as of mid-afternoon Wednesday, the first day the consultations were offered, 25 residents had met with SBA officers.
"The word loan sort of scares people away a bit, but this is a way for people to recoup some funds and I hope people at least come in and take advantage of that," Falconio said.
Hamilton said critical needs are a focus as winter approaches. She said the city is looking to make sure residents have what they need as the weather gets colder and has encouraged people to call the mayor's office directly if they need assistance with heating.
BEHIND OUR REPORTING
Here's why we did this story
A "freak" storm dumped 9 inches of rain on
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