The U.S. Small Business Administration announced a major disaster declaration for West Virginia due to Post-Tropical Storm Helene, effective December 9, 2024. Residents and businesses in the affected areas, especially Mercer County, can apply for disaster loans via the MySBA Loan Portal or other local sites. The deadline for physical loan applications is February 7, 2025, while the economic injury loan applications are due by September 9, 2025. Surrounding counties in West Virginia and Virginia are eligible for economic injury loans only.
Simple Explanation
The government is giving help to people in West Virginia because a big storm, called Helene, caused damage. People can ask for special loans to fix their homes and businesses, and some nearby places can also get help to recover from the storm's effects.