SBA Offers Low-Interest Loans After MN Floods

ST. PAUL (AP) -- The U.S. Small Business Administration has granted a disaster declaration for three Minnesota counties and an Indian reservation that will give home- and business-owners who lost property in June's floods access to low interest loans.

The declaration issued Friday covers Carlton, Pine and St. Louis counties and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Residents in the surrounding counties of Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Koochiching and Lake, and Burnett and Douglas counties in Wisconsin may also apply for the loans.

Governor Mark Dayton requested the SBA disaster declaration after FEMA denied Minnesota's appeal for individual disaster assistance.

Homeowners can apply for loans up to $200,000. Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million.

More information can be found on the SBA's website at www.sba.gov.