Office of Governor Brad Henry
State of Oklahoma 
State Capitol – Oklahoma City OK 73105
405-521-2342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 9, 2010

(Oklahoma City) - Gov. Brad Henry today requested a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration for Oklahoma County to assist those impacted by the deadly flooding outbreak that began June 14.

The Governor’s request would deliver SBA low interest disaster loans for renters, homeowners and business owners to repair or replace any property damaged by the flooding which was not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. The loan program would also be available to assist businesses that sustained economic injury due to the severe weather. If the request is approved, under SBA rules the assistance would also be available in counties contiguous to Oklahoma County.

The Governor’s request comes on the heels of last week’s decision by FEMA to deny Individual Assistance for Oklahoma County residents. More than 220 homes and businesses were damaged in June 14 flooding and less than two percent of the properties were covered by flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. The primary reason for the low insurance coverage is most homes are not located in an identified flood zone.

“The SBA low-interest loan program won’t address all of the needs of flood victims, but it can provide some much-needed assistance as they rebuild and recover,” said Gov. Henry, who is currently attending the National Governors Association meeting in Boston.

“After the historic flooding on June 14, we felt we deserved a more comprehensive disaster declaration, but we will do the best we can by seeking assistance through the SBA.”

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