Post Isaac recovery money available

Published 11:45 pm Tuesday, February 10, 2015

St. John the Baptist Parish was awarded $32,674,000 in grant funds through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery Program.

Parish officials reported $3,862,306 would be used for grants and loans to business owners to facilitate their full recovery from Hurricane Isaac.

“St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom encourages small businesses and non-profit organizations impacted by Hurricane Isaac to apply for the Small Business Loan and Grant program for assistance with unmet needs following the disaster,” a news release Monday said. “Through the grant, funding from $20,000 to $100,000 will be available as a 20 percent grant and 80 percent low interest loan to affected small businesses.”   

It’s imperative local residents and business interests are proactive in taking advantage of these opportunities, lest we allow these federal dollars to fall by the wayside. Parish leaders announced this week more information on the application process — including locations for future intake centers — would be released once finalized.

To speak with someone regarding the program or to provide contact information for future updates, St. John residents can contact the Economic Development Department at 985-652-9569 or l.saulny@sjbparish.com.

The program is designed to help in the recovery of businesses hardest hit by the storm and assist with expanding economic opportunities, replacing or purchasing equipment and filling unmet sales needs.

“Eligibility requirements for businesses include being present and operating in the parish before Hurricane Isaac, demonstrating an impact by the storm and verification that the business is open or can reopen,” parish leaders said.

If approved, funding would be provided to purchase equipment, inventory and/or provide working capital to support operations for up to a year.

There is no doubt many in this community were dealt a serious blow in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac. Albeit through some federal red tape, hopefully this program provides an avenue to recovery for St. John.