News Summary
Residents and businesses in Catoosa County, Georgia, affected by the August flash flooding can now apply for low-interest disaster loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration has set up a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at Fort Oglethorpe Constitution Hall to assist applicants. Eligible individuals can apply for Physical Damage loans and Economic Injury loans online. The deadline for applications varies by loan type, with significant financial assistance available for recovery efforts following this natural disaster.
Catoosa County Residents and Businesses Can Now Apply for Low-Interest Disaster Loans Following August Flash Flooding
Catoosa County, Georgia residents and businesses impacted by the flash flooding that occurred on August 12th can now apply for low-interest disaster loans provided through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). A Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) has been established at Fort Oglethorpe Constitution Hall to assist in the application process. The SBA declaration includes Catoosa County along with the contiguous counties of Walker and Whitfield, as a result of a request from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s representative and GEMA/HS Deputy Director Valarie Grooms.
Eligible applicants can apply for two types of loans: Physical Damage disaster loans for homes and businesses, and Economic Injury disaster loans designed specifically for businesses. Applications can be conveniently submitted online via the Electronic Loan Application, and assistance is provided through the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by email or by calling 1-800-659-2955.
The DLOC is located at 205 Forrest Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and will be operational starting August 29. Specific operating hours were included in the announcement, allowing residents and business owners to access support during designated times. For those looking to apply for Physical Damage disaster loans, the filing deadline is set for October 27, 2025, while applications for Economic Injury disaster loans must be submitted by May 26, 2026.
Financial Assistance Details
The SBA is offering up to $2 million in loans for business owners to repair damages and replace lost equipment and machinery. Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $100,000 for the replacement of personal property, with homeowners allowed to apply for loans of up to $500,000 specifically for home repairs. Interest rates for these SBA disaster loans range from 3% to 4%, making them a viable option for those in financial need following the flooding.
Overview of Impacted Areas
Local reports indicate that approximately 300 structures in Hamilton County have suffered damage due to the severe flooding. Efforts are ongoing to gather comprehensive damage reports and provide aid to affected residents, even though there are concerns that the region may not meet the necessary threshold of $13 million in damages required for federal FEMA assistance.
Community Support and Resources
In light of the disaster, residents are urged to seek support not only from SBA resources but also from volunteer and nonprofit organizations in the area. These organizations can provide additional resources and assistance to help with recovery efforts. Community outreach and support services remain vital as Catoosa County progresses in the rebuilding and recovery process.
For residents and businesses impacted by the flooding, timely applications for these low-interest disaster loans can provide the essential financial resources needed to recover from the effects of this natural disaster, while local officials continue to assess the overall impact and coordinate assistance initiatives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- News Channel 9: Low-Interest Loans for Catoosa County Residents
- Wikipedia: Disaster Relief
- Local 3 News: SBA Offers Disaster Loans
- Google Search: Disaster Loans
- WRCB TV: Update on SBA Disaster Loans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Management
- Valdosta Today: USDA Declares National Disaster
- Google News: Catoosa County Disaster Loans
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
