Sacramento, CA – Small, non-farm businesses in 68 Arkansas counties (plus neighboring parishes in Louisiana and neighboring counties in Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas) may now apply for low interest disaster loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). “These disaster loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the combined effects of heavy rains in August and the remnants of Hurricane Gustav that occurred in the following primary Arkansas counties from August 1, 2008 through September 11, 2008,” announced Alfred E.

From the Christian Science Monitor:

"Up and down the flood-ravaged river valleys of the upper Midwest, high water has inflicted billions of dollars of damage to homes, businesses, and crops. It has displaced tens of thousands of families and brought immeasurable suffering. It has also brought a new concern for the region’s river towns and cities: Flooding in the Midwest seems to be getting worse.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) announced today that its popular Open for Business(R) disaster protection and recovery planning toolkit for small to mid-size businesses is now available in Spanish.

Rebuilding or repairing a home after flooding can be a daunting task. But with the right information, homeowners can build back in a way that reduces the likelihood of future damage. Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be demonstrating building techniques and offering free professional advice in area building supply stores.

The schedule is listed below:

June 10-12, 2008
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday
Carters Hardware
10973 Highway 16E #6
Shirley, AR 72153
(Van Buren County)

The Department of Finance and Administration announced today that taxpayers in 52 counties declared state disaster areas due to damages caused by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding will be provided special tax relief. The Department is extending the deadline for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster areas to file and pay any tax due on their individual or corporate income tax returns until August 15, 2008.