Brewster: Funding for Volunteer Fire Departments Now Available

Brewster: Funding for Volunteer Fire Departments Now Available

McKeesport – April 2, 2020 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that the new federal stimulus program passed in response to the pandemic allows volunteer fire companies to apply for the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Loans (PPP).

“The federal stimulus act enables qualifying volunteer fire companies to apply for EIDL and PPP loans with funds that will be made available quickly,” Brewster said.

EIDL loans can provide up to $2 million in working capital with emergency grants immediately available. An advance of $10,000 for volunteer fire companies organized as IRC 501 (c) (3) of IRC 501 (c) 4 can be accessed within three days of application. Organizations applying for funding will not be required to repay the funds, even if a loan application is ultimately rejected.

Brewster said that qualifying volunteer organizations that pay firefighters can also access federal funds through the PPP. Under this program, loans will be forgiven if employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the funds are used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities. 

“The International Association of Fire Chiefs has provided guidance for departments to seek federal stimulus funds to help cover costs,” Brewster said. “I encourage all volunteer fire departments to examine these programs in depth and seek federal help during this very difficult time.”

Brewster said that more information on the program can be found at https://www.iafc.org/blogs/blog/iafc/2020/04/02/volunteer-departments-eligible-for-cares-act-loan-programs

Sen. Brewster Announces Federal Recovery Funds for July 21, 22 Storms, Low-Interest Loans Offered

Sen. Brewster Announces Federal Recovery Funds for July 21, 22 Storms, Low-Interest Loans Offered

August 8, 2019 – Senator Jim Brewster announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved a request to declare a disaster in Allegheny County for damage from storms and flash flooding on July 21 and 22, 2019.

“This news is great for residents and businesses of this region who suffered losses from these storms and floods last month,” said Senator Brewster. “This decision by the SBA would not have happened without local, county, and state officials and emergency services staff working together.”

Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the flooding from the storms on July 21 and 22 in Allegheny County, as well as those in Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans through the SBA Disaster Loan Programs.

Low-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA regulations permit loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to restore damaged or destroyed buildings, inventory, equipment and assets. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial qualifications. Information about the program can be found at https://disasterloan.sba.gov.

The SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to help with loan applications and answer questions about the disaster loan program. The DLOC will be open at the following location and times:

Renton Volunteer Department

Plum Borough

1996 Old Mine Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15239

Opening: Friday, Aug. 9 at 11 a.m.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, August 10 & August 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Closed: Sundays

Closes: Tuesday, August 20 at 4 p.m.

Individuals and businesses unable to visit the centers in person may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Completed applications should be returned to the local DLOC or mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration

Processing and Disbursement Center

14925 Kingsport Road

Fort Worth, TX 76155

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is October 7, 2019. The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is May 7, 2020.