November 25, 2009

Residents and businesses in areas of Virginia hit hard by a storm earlier this month can apply for federal disaster loans.

Gov. Timothy Kaine said Wednesday that the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved his request for federal disaster assistance.

Tropical Storm Ida's remnants primarily lashed coastal Virginia with high winds and drenching rain. Kaine says the storm caused an estimated $70 million in damage. Homeowners and renters in the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach and the counties of James City and York are eligible to apply for low-interest loans.

Businesses affected by the storm also can apply for disaster loans.