SHERWOOD, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The U.S. Small Business Administration Thursday officially granted an “administrative declaration of disaster” for Branch County and six other counties because of severe storms and tornadoes May 7.
The SBA disaster assistance program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory, and business assets that were damaged or destroyed. The SBA tailors the repayment of each disaster loan to the borrower’s financial capability.
This declaration covers Branch, Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties.
“Today’s SBA rapid declaration—the first ever—will provide the resources and support Michiganders in Kalamazoo County need to recover from May’s severe storms and tornadoes,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Rebuilding efforts are already underway, and these loans will support a lot of good, ongoing work as we continue to move forward. I am proud we are staying proactive and grateful to the SBA for their speed and professionalism. Michiganders are strong, and we will get through this together.”
The SBA has also established a temporary Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Portage for one-on-one assistance.
The EF-2 and EF-1 tornados that touched down in Sherwood Township caused significant damage along a six-mile path in Branch County.
The EF-2 tornado covered 19 miles across 2 counties. The maximum winds were estimated at 130 mph with a path 950 yards wide. There was one person injured. That person sought their own medical attention.
Nine homes were destroyed with another four homes sustaining major damage. There were 24 homes that received minor damage while 19 homes experienced superficial damage. That does not include the dozens of agricultural structures and barns impacted by the tornado.
Loan applications are also available online or by mail. For additional information on low-interest SBA loans or the disaster assistance loan application process, visit the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955.
Comments