VACHERIE — Representatives of the U. S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Assistance Office will be available to explain the SBA’s disaster loan programs at a public meeting the St. James Parish Courthouse Annex in Vacherie, on Dec. 14, at 7 pm. The meeting is being hosted by the St. James Parish Council.

Residents and business owners in St. James Parish will be able to learn about how an SBA disaster loan can help finance your recovery for any losses from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that have not been fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries. SBA officials will be available to answer questions at the end of a short presentation.

&#8220We want to make sure that all the citizens of St. James Parish have an opportunity to learn about the SBA disaster loan programs and how to submit their application before the extended filing deadline of January 11, 2006,” said Richard Jenkins, communications supervisor for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. &#8220This is an opportunity for everyone to learn about our programs and get the information they need to apply.”

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may apply to SBA for low interest physical disaster loans up to $1.5 million to repair or replace hurricane damage to real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory or other business assets. These loans cover uninsured losses or situations where the insurance coverage falls short of the replacement costs. For small businesses only, SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs created by the hurricane, even if the business did not have any property damage.