New Recovery Centers Help Flood Victims in Wisconsin Counties

WAUKESHA, Wis. — Business recovery centers have opened in Washington and Waukesha counties to assist those affected by last month’s historic floods. The centers will provide support through low-interest loans offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

The Waukesha center opened Monday, while the Washington center began operations on Friday. Local businesses, nonprofits, and residents impacted by the floods can receive assistance at these centers.

The SBA is offering loans for physical damages, allowing business owners to apply for up to $2 million to cover equipment, inventory, and other losses. Homeowners and renters can receive up to $500,000 for damages to personal property including clothing and vehicles.

In addition to physical damage loans, business owners are eligible for an economic injury loan. This loan covers costs and losses a business would have otherwise generated if the flood had not occurred. An SBA representative emphasized the importance of applying soon and reassured potential applicants regarding concerns about credit scores.

“So for everybody that thinks that, oh, my credit score is not that good, we invite people to apply. They shouldn’t worry about their credit score per se,” the representative said. “We encourage people to seek help.”

For the physical damage loan, applications are due by November 10. The economic injury loan deadline extends to June of next year. Interested individuals can apply online at sba.gov/disaster or contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955.

Additionally, recovery centers are available in Milwaukee County, located at the former McNair School and Wauwatosa City Hall, to assist residents seeking federal aid. As of Monday, FEMA has distributed $36.8 million to over 5,100 households impacted by the floods.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is November 12. Individuals can apply by calling 1-800-621-3362.