Governor Little Signs Emergency Declaration for Local Businesses

According to Idaho Governor Brad Little’s office, he has received the required number of worksheets from businesses and privately owned non-profit organizations that state their business has been adversely affected by the lengthy closure of Highway 95 and has signed a declaration allowing qualifying businesses to apply for low interest loans from the Small Business Administration.

Cynthia Cowell, with the Small Business Administration, said that they were aware that he had signed the emergency economic disaster declaration, but are awaiting the arrival of the worksheets that were submitted.

She said she expected to put out a press release within five days, explaining how businesses in Council, New Meadows or Cambridge could apply for SBA loans, once the SBA approves the governor’s declaration for economic disaster loans. Additionally, Cowell said that for small businesses the interest rate is 4 percent; for private, non-profits it is 3.25 percent.

If you are a business who has been affected by the closure of Highway 95, you can download a worksheet by going to the following website https://ioem.idaho.gov/businesses-impacted-by-u-s-highway-95-closure-may-be-eligible-for-assistance.

Businesses have 120 days from the time of the road closure to submit worksheets.

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