Federal Assistance Is Now Available for Homeowners, Renters and Businesses Affected by August Storms Across San Antonio and Bexar County
Federal disaster assistance is now available for Bexar County residents and businesses recovering from the severe storms that caused widespread damage across San Antonio in August.
The U.S. Small Business Administration approved Gov. Greg Abbott’s request to include Bexar County and seven surrounding South-Central Texas counties in a federal disaster declaration. The assistance makes low-interest disaster loans available to qualifying homeowners, renters and businesses.
The declaration covers Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina and Wilson counties.
Federal Loans Available for Homes and Businesses
Residents may qualify for SBA Home Disaster Loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.
Businesses may apply for Business Physical Disaster Loans, while qualifying businesses may also seek assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, commonly known as EIDL.
The assistance follows the Aug. 28 storm that produced widespread wind damage across Bexar County. The National Weather Service said the severe thunderstorm carved a roughly 35-mile damage path through the county, with measured winds of 55 to 65 mph and pockets estimated at 70 to 80 mph. More than 110,000 customers lost power at the storm’s peak.
Related: CPS Energy Power Restoration Complete After Storm Knocked Out More Than 250,000 Customers
Abbott initially requested the SBA declaration after state, local and federal officials assessed storm damage and determined Bexar County met the federal threshold for assistance.
Disaster Assistance Center Opens at Las Palmas Library
SBA representatives will also provide in-person assistance at a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at Las Palmas Library, 515 Castroville Road.
The center is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesdays from noon to 8 p.m. Representatives can explain available disaster loan programs, answer questions and help residents complete applications.
Residents can also apply online through the SBA disaster assistance website or call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability may dial 7-1-1 for telecommunications relay services.
Completed paper applications may be mailed to the U.S. Small Business Administration Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
