Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, September 11, 2015
Contact:
(Bureau of Homeland Security) Mallory Eils (208) 258-6592 or meils@bhs.idaho.gov
(Idaho Commerce) Kayla Church (208) 287-0784 or kayla.church@commerce.idaho.gov

Potential Assistance for Businesses and Individuals Impacted by 2015 Fires

 

While cooler temperatures and precipitation have helped to moderate fire activity across the state, the effects of Idaho’s 2015 wildfire season will linger on. As the end of fire season draws nearer, recovery efforts for those affected by the devastating wildfires will continue even after the last fire is out.

“When individuals and families begin the recovery process following a disaster it is important we collaborate with the appropriate state agencies to quickly free up available resources and assistance,” said Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “That’s why we are working with the Idaho Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration to identify all potential options for those affected by the 2015 wildfires.”

The Idaho Department of Commerce is collecting information to request a disaster declaration from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). If declared, it would make federal disaster loans available to small businesses with working capital needs caused by the fires. “We want to make sure that we’re doing everything that we can to help those small businesses that have been affected by the fires this year,” said Jeffery Sayer, Director, Idaho Department of Commerce. “Receiving a declaration from the SBA would put our state’s small businesses on the path toward recovery.”

The SBA makes a physical declaration when at least 25 homes (primary residences) and/or businesses in a county have uninsured losses of 40% or more of their estimated fair replacement value. Secondary homes, condominium units, cabins, camps, and lake homes are not included in the tally. If approved, the declaration would make available low interest loans to replace or repair residences.

In order to submit a request to the SBA, the State of Idaho will need five (5) or more small businesses located in Idaho, Lewis, Clearwater, and Owyhee Counties to complete and submit the Idaho Department of Commerce SBA’s Economic Injury Worksheet. If those counties are approved the following contiguous counties would also be eligible – Lemhi, Nez Perce, Latah, Shoshone, Adams, Valley, Canyon, Elmore, Twin Falls, and Ada. The worksheet may be found on the Commerce website at https://commerce.idaho.gov on the “Communities” page. Forms can
be downloaded and sent by fax to 208.334.2631, by email to jerry.miller@commerce.idaho.gov or mailed directly to:

Jerry Miller
Idaho Department of Commerce
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0093

 

Farms, orchards, and ranches are not eligible for the SBA program, but may seek assistance from their county U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency representative. Small businesses are asked to complete and submit their worksheets as soon as possible so assistance can be targeted to areas with the greatest needs.

The Idaho Emergency Operations Center, housed at the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, remains on heightened alert and continues to monitor the fire situation to provide ongoing support as needed.

 

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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that IBHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, IBHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

 

Original Release