Flood victims still able to apply for federal aid

The U.S. Small Business Administration has declared Monroe and Bartholomew Counties as primary counties eligible for low-interest loans to cover damages caused by the severe storms that tore through the area starting May 30.\nBoth physical damage loans and economic injury disaster loans are available. Physical damage loans are intended for home structural damage repair, and economic injury disaster loans are intended for business and small agricultural cooperative repair assistance, according to a press release from the office of congressman Baron Hill, D-9th. \nBrown, Ohio, Jackson and Jennings Counties are also eligible for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration in the form of economic injury disaster loans only. \nTo request an application, call 1-800-366-6303. Physical damage loan applications must be submitted by Aug. 11, and economic injury disaster loans must be submitted by March 11, 2009.\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency is also still accepting applications for disaster assistance. Those affected can apply online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA anytime between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week.