Washington, D.C. – Western North Carolina businesses that have been hurt economically by the massive rock slide that has closed Interstate 40 may be eligible for Small Business Administration (SBA) aid, according to Congressman Heath Shuler.
The SBA has a program that provides emergency loans to companies that have lost substantial business due to hurricanes, tornadoes, landslides and other natural disasters. To qualify, Gov. Bev Perdue has 120 days after the October 25 rock slide to request an SBA Economic Injury Declaration and must show at least five businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury from the I-40 closure.
“I’m sure that more than five businesses in Western North Carolina have been hit hard by the closure of I-40, which is expected to last for months,” said Congressman Shuler, D-Waynesville. “I would encourage the owners of businesses that are being adversely affected by the closure to contact my office, and I will be happy to relay their information to the proper state and federal officials.”
I-40 serves as a vital transportation and commerce thoroughfare for the U.S., particularly the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. About 25,000 vehicles a day travel the section of I-40 that has been closed because of the rock slide. This includes approximately 10,000 tractor trailers that carry goods throughout the region.
Congressman Shuler and the entire North Carolina Congressional delegation sent a letter last month to the Federal Highway Administrator requesting federal emergency funds for the clean-up and repair of I-40.
“We have to get I-40 reopened as quickly as possible because it is essential to the people and businesses of Western North Carolina,” Congressman Shuler said.
For questions about the SBA emergency loan program, contact Congressman Shuler’s office at 828-252-1651.
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