The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $50 million in Disaster Assistance Loans to homeowners, renters and businesses in parts of Alabama, Florida and Mississippi that were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred in late April. 

According to SBA Public Affairs Specialist Tom Nocera, Alabama received the most aid, with 303 loans totaling $10,679,400.

“Those are low-interest loans that came down from the U.S. Treasury,” he said.

Nocera explained that Baldwin County has received the most aid within the state.

“One hundred-sixty-four loans have been approved in Baldwin County,” he said, with the dollar amount coming to $5,978,700.

“There were nine counties declared,” Nocera said. “But Baldwin County was the most terribly impacted, even though there was a tornado up in Limstone County. You had it the worst.”

The deadline for each declaration is fast approaching.

“Currently, 1,140 disaster loans have been approved in the amount of $51,191,400 for affected survivors,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.

However, SBA still has loan centers in Elberta and Fairhope still open.

“We’ll be here until the need dwindles,” Nocera said.

He pointed out that once the Baldwin County Centers become less busy, plans will be made to close.

“They’ll probably close them with a 48-hour notice,” Nocera said.

However, SBA’s disaster loans for physical damages are still available to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. Small businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

“SBA’s disaster loans provide much needed money to help individuals and business owners pay for disaster related repairs and replacements that were not covered by insurance, including their deductible and business interruption needs. These specialty loans are only available when there is a declared disaster. I encourage those with eligible disaster damages to apply, even if you think you might not qualify or do not want to take out a loan. There is no obligation to accept the loan if it is offered,” said SBA’s Regional Administrator for Region IV Cassius Butts.

Survivors may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at .

“We are already into the 2014 Hurricane season and although there has not been a major hurricane event in the South for several years, it does not mean that we should not be vigilant. Take time to become ‘disaster-ready.’ Prepare or update your family’s disaster preparedness kit, backup your computer system often and visit for more tips and ideas. For information on free business seminars visit: and www.sba.gov” said Cassius Butts, Regional Administrator, SBA Region IV.

Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to . Loan applications can be downloaded from . Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Foley Onlooker Editor Cathy Higgins contributed to this report.