WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, together with U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings (all D-Md.) today praised the U.S. Small Business Administration’s approval of a physical disaster declaration for the City of Baltimore, and called for swift action.
Their letter follows:
May 12, 2015
The Honorable Maria Contreras-Sweet
Administrator
US Small Business Administration
409 3rd St, SW
Washington DC 20416
Dear Administrator Contreras-Sweet:
Thank you for your prompt Small Business Administration (SBA) Physical Disaster Declaration for Baltimore City made on May 11, 2015. We urge the swift development of a plan to (1) open disaster centers throughout the city; (2) inform businesses owners who are eligible for benefits; and (3) provide details on the process for applying for assistance.
SBA’s survey of Baltimore found that more than 30 businesses and 1 home sustained major physical damage and 254 businesses and 1 home sustained minor physical damage during the civil unrest that occurred in Baltimore City from April 25-May 3, 2015.
This physical disaster determination and quick follow-through is necessary to help ensure that Baltimore business owners can get the physical disaster loan assistance and economic injury disaster loan assistance they need to repair or replace real estate, personal property, equipment, or inventory damaged or destroyed in the disturbance.
SBA’s Physical Disaster Declaration is an important first step in the recovery & rebuilding process—but more needs to be done in a timely manner. We look forward to getting your plan to (1) open disaster centers throughout the city; (2) inform businesses owners who are eligible for benefits; and (3) provide details on the process for applying for assistance.
We appreciate your consideration and look forward to continue working with you in this recovery.
Sincerely,
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, together with U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings (all D-Md.) today praised the U.S. Small Business Administration’s approval of a physical disaster declaration for the City of Baltimore, and called for swift action.
