Disaster Relief Loans Available for Small business, Woodland Owners

As the northwoods awaits a decision at the federal level on disaster relief funds, more agencies are making dollars available to help those impacted by the July 19 storm.

The wicked weather brought straight line winds topping 100 mph, along with several tornadoes, that toppled swaths of timber, devastated lake shorelines and left thousands without power for days.

For small businesses affected by the storm, the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission is partnering with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to provide Disaster Recovery Microloan funds to cover expenses related to storm damage.

“Storms had a devastating economic effect on our areas small businesses,” Darryl Landeau, senior planner with the commission, said. “This new program provides an immediate source of funds to help those impacted businesses recover from this disaster.”

Businesses within Langlade, Portage and Wood Counties are eligible to apply. The loans, up to $20,000 per business, may be used for procurement of cleanup and restoration services, operating expenses, temporary space, and repair and reconstruction work. The no-interest loans have a two-year repayment period, with payments deferred for at least six months.

For more information about the microloan program, visit www.ncwrpc.org.

In addition, the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service is offering an opportunity to apply and be considered for Woody Residue Treatment for property owners whose woods have greater than 50 percent damage.

“While there is no guarantee of funding, consider contacting us if you have storm damage in your woods,” Peggy Winter, district conservationist for Lincoln and Langlade Counties, said.

The Environmental Quality Incentives ProgramWoody Residue Treatment might be an option to financially assist with reducing wildfire hazards, as well as minimizing disease and insect infestation risk.

Property owners whose woods were destroyed by the wind storm, should contact the local NRCS office at 715-623-6716 extension 100 for more information.

Source: Antigo Daily Journal, August 24, 2019 edition