Press Releases
8/14/2008 | GOVERNOR RENDELL REQUESTS U.S. SBA ASSISTANCE FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY
HARRISBURG — Governor Edward G. Rendell today asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to declare Montgomery County a disaster area following a massive apartment complex fire yesterday in Conshohocken.
The designation, if approved, would make low-interest loans available to eligible renters and business owners who suffered damages in the fire.
"Homeowners and business owners who were affected by the fire must have the resources they need to recover as quickly as possible," Governor Rendell said. "Having SBA declare Montgomery County a disaster area will help these renters and business owners get back on their feet."
In a letter sent to the federal agency, the Governor said Montgomery County qualifies for the emergency loan program based on the results of a commonwealth preliminary damage assessment. The damage in Conshohocken exceeds SBA criteria of at least 25 homes and/or businesses with uninsured losses of 40 percent or more of their estimated fair market value.
"There are not enough words to express my appreciation for everyone who acted to help the Riverwalk apartment community in the response to, and recovery from, last night's fire," the Governor said. "From the beginning, I instructed my emergency management team to be on site to provide comprehensive assessments so we could determine whether this disaster qualified for federal Small Business Administration aid. It is also my obligation as Governor to make state resources available as soon as possible.
"While this fire caused significant damage, I am grateful there were no fatalities," he said. "Our first responders — firefighters, EMS professionals, police officers and animal rescue teams -- have tackled the challenges involved with this major fire with courage and attention to detail.
"I would also like to thank those in the private sector, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross chapter, other non-profits and community groups that banded together in this time of need. As Governor, I am thankful for the actions that our elected officials took to make resources and services available," the Governor said.
While the preliminary damage assessments meet SBA requirements, the damage does not qualify for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If the SBA request is approved, eligible renters could borrow up to $40,000 to replace possessions lost in the fire and eligible business owners could borrow up to $2 million.
More information on disaster assistance in Pennsylvania is available at www.pema.state.pa.us; click on "Disaster Assistance and Updates" in the left-hand column.