Fire victims now have access to federal funds thanks to the recent presidential disaster declaration. FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are on the ground in northern New Mexico.
Malden residents impacted by the devastating fire last fall are able to apply for loans through the Small Business Administration until April 12.
The SBA approved a disaster declaration for Whitman County on Feb. 9, not long after the county’s request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for individual assistance was denied, Malden Mayor Dan Harwood said.
Aside from Whitman County, the declaration also includes surrounding counties such as Adams, Sutton, Columbia, Franklin and Garfield, said Cynthia Cowell, SBA public information officer.
People who qualify for loans have a chance to rebuild at a very low-interest rate. Interest rates could be as low as 1.18 percent for homeowners and renters and 3 percent for businesses, she said.