MAHONING VALLEY Drought aid is available

Nurseries and those in the farm implement business are eligible for federal aid.
CLEVELAND -- Low-interest disaster loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Assistance Program for small, nonfarm agriculture-dependent businesses in Mahoning and Columbiana counties that have been financially affected because of drought-related losses that have continued since January.
The disaster designation was issued as a result of similar action taken by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to help farmers in those counties. Only small, nonfarm, agriculture-dependent businesses and small agricultural cooperatives are eligible to apply for this assistance.
Farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply to SBA, but nurseries are eligible for economic injury cause by drought conditions.
Those eligible
Farm implement dealers, seed and feed, spraying and irrigation businesses are examples of businesses most typically in need of SBA assistance, said Michael C. Allen, SBA disaster area director. In communities where the economy is almost entirely dependent on agriculture, just about any small business may be able to qualify for assistance under this declaration.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans provide working capital to small businesses so they can continue to pay bills and meet normal operating expenses.
Maximum loans to a business of up to $1.5 million are available at 4-percent interest with loan terms of up to 30 years. SBA determines eligibility for the program based on the size and type of business and its financial condition.
Loan applications and program information are available by calling SBA toll-free at (800) 359-2227. The Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and speech impaired number is (404) 347-3751.
The deadline for all economic injury applications is June 11, 2003.