United States Senate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 22, 2014
Contact:
Sarah Feldman (McCaskill): 202-228-6263
Amber Marchand (Blunt): 202-224-1403
McCaskill, Blunt Encourage Nixon to Request Economic Resources for Ferguson
Senators write to Governor, asking him to explore possibility of small business disaster declaration
WASHINGTON – Following days of unrest that damaged small businesses in Ferguson, Mo., U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt are encouraging Governor Jay Nixon to explore the possibility of requesting federal economic resources for the community from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
McCaskill and Blunt wrote to Nixon (letter available online HERE), raising the possibility of low-interest disaster loans available through the federal agency. Those resources would only become available if the agency issues an Economic Injury Declaration, or a Physical Injury Declaration, both of which must be requested by the Governor.
“Days of civil unrest in Ferguson, Missouri have taken a toll on the entire region,” the Senators wrote. “As a result, some Ferguson businesses suffered significant physical damage, while other businesses suffered major economic losses. Through no fault of their own, individuals are now struggling to rebuild their businesses and revitalize their community… It will take time and resources to help them recover from recent events… A request for both of these declarations may be appropriate for businesses in Ferguson.”
McCaskill and Blunt added that an SBA disaster declaration would assist local Ferguson businesses with accessing low-interest loans, “and help them reclaim their economic well-being… We encourage you to investigate whether an SBA disaster declaration could benefit Ferguson area residents and business owners. We are ready to assist with whatever may be required.”
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