WILMINGTON, Del. – Small businesses and nonprofit organizations in New Castle County affected by flooding from Hurricane Ida earlier this month are now eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Eligible businesses and nonprofits may qualify for loans up to $2 million.

The SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are designed to help with the temporary loss of revenue businesses and nonprofits are experiencing as a result of significant flooding from Hurricane Ida. The loans may be used for working capital expenses such as payroll, fixed debts and accounts payable, as well as other bills the business or nonprofit is currently unable to pay because of the impact of the storm.

“We continue to work alongside the City of Wilmington, agencies and organizations to provide resources for Wilmington residents and businesses with cleanup efforts from flooding from Hurricane Ida,” said Governor John Carney. “We appreciate the U.S. Small Business Administration making this economic injury loan program available for businesses.”   

“The flooding in New Castle County and Wilmington caused by Hurricane Ida was unprecedented, and as a result, many small businesses were forced to close their doors for days and weeks on end,” said Delaware Division of Small Business Director Jordan Schulties. “We know the economic effects of the hurricane can be just as challenging to a small business as property damage, and these loans can provide a lifeline to these business owners who are facing significant revenue loss.”

The SBA determines eligibility for the loans based on the size and type of business and its financial resources. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. The rates on the loans will not exceed three percent, and the term of the loans will not exceed 30 years. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 10, 2022.

Small businesses in New Castle County who suffered economic injury from Hurricane Ida are encouraged to review the SBA’s applications and program information on the SBA website. New Castle County received a disaster declaration from the SBA as a contiguous county of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. For this reason, small businesses in New Castle County who apply for an EIDL will need to do so under Pennsylvania’s declaration. For assistance applying for an EIDL, businesses should contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY/TDD: 1-800-877-8339) or via e-mail at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

The SBA has also opened a Business Recovery Center in Philadelphia to provide businesses with one-on-one assistance in submitting an economic injury loan application if they were impacted by Hurricane Ida. The recovery center is located at the Falls of the Schuylkill Library at 3501 Midvale Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19129. Hours for the center are noon to 8 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. The Business Recovery Center is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Customer Service Representatives will be available at the center to answer questions about the disaster loan program and assist business owners in completing their applications. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA has established protocols to help protect the health and safety of the public. All visitors to the recovery center are encouraged to wear a face mask.

 (Smyrna) – Nearly four months after Hurricane Maria tore through the Puerto Rico, recovery efforts are ongoing, with continuing aid provided by FEMA and individual states across the country.  The State of Delaware has assisted with various initiatives, and now three staff members from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) have embarked on a two- and-a-half week deployment to the island.

“DEMA conducts training and exercises dealing with long-term recovery from disasters, but the practical knowledge our three workers will bring home as a result of working in this recovery operation is of incalculable value,” said DEMA Director A.J. Schall.  “The State of Delaware’s planning and implementation will be improved, while at the same time, we continue to provide help to a population whose homes and lives were devastated by the Hurricane.”

DEMA personnel were deployed through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), which is a formal agreement among the 50 states, District of Columbia, and U.S. territories and approved by the General Assembly.  Among other particulars, EMAC sets forth policies and procedures for affected geographic areas to request assistance from other EMAC participants, while also establishing a framework for how those providing assistance are reimbursed for equipment or personnel costs.

Transportation Experts Called to Support Hurricane Relief Efforts

SMYRNDA, Del. – On Tuesday, October 24th at approximately 745am, 36 Soldiers from the Delaware National Guard’s 1049th Transportation Company departed the Smryna Readiness Center (103 Artisan Drive in Smryna) via motor coach and to be flown to Puerto Rico to assist with hurricane relief efforts.

“Delawareans have proven that we stand ready and willing to help our fellow citizens affected by natural disasters,” said Governor Carney. “To the 36 Soldiers responding to the mission in Puerto Rico, thank you for your service. And thank you to all members of our Delaware National Guard who are answering the call to help those in need.”

The Soldiers will deploy for up to 60 days and help transport supplies necessary to support the citizens of Puerto Rico as they recover from Hurricane Maria.  The Soldiers are truck drivers and maintenance personnel. They have a wealth of experience. Some have deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and others to New York in 2012 in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Since August, about 80 Delaware National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and women have deployed to support hurricane relief efforts in Texas, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The Delaware National Guard has transported 80 tons of supplies to include, generators, satellite communications equipment, medical supplies, and food and water. Our C-130 aircraft pilots and crews have evacuated more than 250 citizens to safety. We have also provided support with medical, engineer, and communications experts. Currently, we have a team on the ground in the Virgin Islands helping with aerial port operations at St. Croix Airport, along with a team of communication experts assisting in Puerto Rico.

“This request for support just came last Thursday, but these Soldiers reacted in true Minuteman tradition – leaving within less than a week.  They are always ready, always there,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Berry, Director of the Delaware National Guard’s Joint Staff.

For more information, please contact Lt. Col. Len Gratteri at 302 540 0134, or email at Leonard.a.gratteri.mil@mail.mil.

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On Friday, October 20, 2017 members of the Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit along with representatives from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) formed a convoy of trucks and trailers bound for the Port of Wilmington. The cargo being transported consisted of supplies received as a result of a two week donation drive, benefitting the people of Puerto Rico who were affected by Hurricane Maria.

Upon arrival the convoy was met by a team of approximately twenty Port of Wilmington employees who off-loaded and packaged 32 pallets of donated supplies before loading them onto a cargo ship bound for Puerto Rico.

The donation drive which ran from October 4th-18th, was a collaborative effort between the Office of Governor John Carney, DEMA, the Delaware State Police, the Delaware Citizens Corps, and in conjunction with the International Longshoremen’s Association of Delaware and the Port of Wilmington.

On behalf of all the agencies involved in this humanitarian relief effort, the Delaware State Police would like to thank the citizens of the State of Delaware, who through their kindness and generosity made this initiative a success.

A Donation Drive for Puerto Rico Accepted at Delaware State Police Troops

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 102117 1634

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Donated items will be accepted at Delaware State Police, Port of Wilmington

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Delaware State Police, and Delaware Citizen Corps, in conjunction with the International Longshoremen’s Association and the Port of Wilmington, announced on Thursday a campaign to gather donated supplies to aid relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

“Delawareans always stand ready to assist those in need, and our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico need our support,” said Governor Carney. “Members of our National Guard continue to assist with disaster response, and our thoughts continue to be with everyone in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria and its aftermath. We look out for our neighbors here in Delaware, and I urge Delawareans to support this effort however possible.”

“The emergency management communities have seen challenges like no other this year,” said A.J. Schall, Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. “I’m proud DEMA has been able to assist other states via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, and I am glad we can join with our private partners and non-profits to support Puerto Rico.”

The transportation of the items to Puerto Rico will be organized and shipped by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) 1694, led by ILA 1694 President Bill Ashe.

Donated supplies can be dropped off at Delaware State Police Troop locations throughout the state, as well as at the Port of Wilmington.

*A list of supplies that will be accepted is available below.

Donations will be accepted at the following Delaware State Police locations Monday through Sunday between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. until Wednesday, October 18:

• Delaware State Police Headquarters – 1441 N. DuPont Highway, Dover 19903
• State Police Troop 1 – 603 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington 19809
• State Police Troop 2 – 100 Lagrange Avenue, Newark 19702
• State Police Troop 3 – 3759 South State Street, Camden 19934
• State Police Troop 4 – 23652 Shortly Road, Georgetown 19947
• State Police Troop 5 – 9265 Public Safety Way, Bridgeville 19933
• State Police Troop 6 – 3301 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington 19808
• State Police Troop 7 – 18006 Coastal Highway, Lewes 19958
• State Police Troop 9 – 414 Main Street, Odessa 19730

Donations will also be accepted at the Port of Wilmington Monday through Saturday between 7:00 a.m. and noon until Saturday, October 21:

• Port of Wilmington – 1 Hausel Road, Wilmington, DE 19801
  *Because of Port security, members of the public donating items must check in at Lane 4 of the Port’s main gate. Security Officers will direct donors from that point to the collection area. All loose items should be placed in boxes.

Items needed in Puerto Rico include:

• Baby formulas and food (Similac and Enfamil from all stages) *no other food will be accepted
• First aid supplies
• Stomach and diarrhea medications
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries and feminine-hygiene products
• Dish soap and laundry detergents
• Garbage bags
• Work gloves, tarps, ropes, safety glasses and goggles
• Pet food

The public is reminded that the following items will not be accepted:

• Clothing and shoes
• Toys or stuffed animals
• Bottled water
• Food

Monetary donations will not be accepted at the collection sites. Delawareans wishing to make monetary donations may do so securely online through National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster.

Delawareans interested in volunteer opportunities can find instructions online at the National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster’s website.

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