Governor Fallin Seeks SBA Assistance for Fires in Oklahoma and Pawnee Counties

(Oklahoma City)  Gov. Mary Fallin today requested a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration for Oklahoma and Pawnee counties to assist those impacted by recent wildfires. Specifically, the request is for the Oklahoma County fires that occurred August 30 through September 1 and the Pawnee County fires that occurred August 7-14.

The Governor’s request would deliver SBA low interest disaster loans for renters, homeowners and business owners to repair or replace any property damaged by the fires which was not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. The loan program would also be available to assist businesses that sustained economic injury due to the fires. If the request is approved, under SBA rules the assistance would also be available in counties contiguous to Oklahoma and Pawnee counties.

“If approved, renters, homeowners and businesses impacted by recent wildfires in Oklahoma and Pawnee counties may be able to get help to start the rebuilding process through the SBA disaster loan program,” Fallin said.

Last week, officials from SBA and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management joined Oklahoma and Pawnee County Emergency Management officials in completing field assessments within the affected areas. The amount of uninsured damage fell short of that required to receive disaster assistance for individuals and business owners through FEMA. Additionally, while Oklahoma and Pawnee Counties did meet SBA criteria for assistance, other counties that experienced wildfires fell short of these requirements.