Katrina-related state help offered

LAPLACE – Joanna Jones of South Central Planning will be attending the meeting on Thursday, August 9 of the River Parishes Tourist Commission to explain the state’s business grant and interest free loan program for businesses damaged financially or physically as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

The meeting which is open to the public begins at 9:30 a.m. and will be held at the St. John Community Center, Meeting Room #1 2900 Highway 51, LaPlace.

Jones will explain the criteria and application process for the grant / loan program.

There should be approximately $68 million available for the next funding round. Businesses in the River Parishes of St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James are eligible for the financial assistance which includes grants of up to $20,000.00 and interest free loans.