The following is a press release sent by the County of Union.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents and small business owners that they may still be eligible for help recovering from the effects of Superstorm Sandy.
“If you are still dealing with storm-related damages, I encourage you to contact the agencies that are offering these resources and find out if you are eligible,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Both FEMA and our partners in the business community are here to lend a helping hand.”
For qualified small businesses, the nonprofit Union County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC) is offering a Storm Recovery Loan program consisting of loans of up to $15,000 at 2 percent for five years, with no collateral requirements.
The program was made possible by a generous grant from Investors Bank. In addition to no collateral requirements the loan program features no prepayment penalties, and no processing or application fees. The turnaround is two weeks after the completed application is received.
For information about the Storm Recovery Loan program and other loan programs at UCEDC, business owners can call 908-527-1166 or visit ucedc.com.
Business owners and residents are also encouraged to contact FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to learn about their eligibility for federal assistance.
FEMA still has two Disaster Recovery Centers open in Union County. They are both available on a walk-in basis with no appointment necessary, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. One is located in Linden at the Gregorio Center, 330 Helen St. The other is located at the Plainfield Senior Citizen Center, at 400 East Front St. in Plainfield.
FEMA has also set up a disaster legal services hotline with the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and the New Jersey State Bar Association, to provide temporary assistance with legal issues related to the storm and recovery. The toll-free number is 888-541-1900.
For more information about FEMA recovery assistance, visit fema.gov.
