>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Union and Wallowa are among 10 Oregon counties where small, non-farm businesses can apply for low interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The disaster loans are designed to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by adverse weather conditions, according to a recent press release from the SBA.

Earlier this year, the counties declared disaster because of drought and the combined effects of ongoing drought and frost. The declarations were a major factor in making the counties eligible for the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster loans.

The SBA makes the loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. Acting Secretary Chuck Conner declared the disasters at the request of Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski.

Small businesses may qualify for loans up to $1.5 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

Eligibility is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on actual property damage. The loans have an interest rate of 4 percent, a maximum term of 30 years.

They are restricted to small businesses without the financial resources to offset the adverse impact without hardship.

Businesses primarily engaged in farming and ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance available since the secretary's declaration.

Nurseries, however, may be eligible for the SBA loans.

For information and application forms, call toll-free, 800-659-2955, or visit the SBA's Web site, www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.