Disaster loans available for Boone, Callaway counties

COLUMBIA — President Bush ordered federal aid for Missouri residents in areas, including Boone and Callaway counties, recovering from severe storms, flooding and a tornado in September.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said federal funding will be available to residents in the city of St. Louis and 15 counties: Boone, Callaway, Chariton, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Osage, Schuyler, St. Charles, St. Louis, Stone, Taney, Texas and Webster.

The funding will include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other disaster recovery programs for both individuals and business owners.

In addition, some local and state governments and nonprofit organizations will receive funding on a cost-sharing basis to repair and replace buildings.

U.S. Small Business Administration has extended disaster loans to those who were affected by the storms.

Homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations are eligible for the disaster loans, Small Business Administration spokesman Mark Randle said.

Homeowner loans can cover costs of repairs or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, Randle said.

Businesses and nonprofit organizations may apply for loans to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets, a news release from the administration says.

Homeowners and businesses may also apply for loans to make preventative improvements that minimize future disaster damages.

 To apply, victims should first register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency by calling 1-800-621-3362. The filing deadlines for loan applications for property damage is Jan. 12, 2009.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.