DENVER – One year after the Magna Earthquake shook Salt Lake and Davis counties, federal agencies have provided more than $3.3 million in loans and grants to help Utahns recover from the Magna Earthquake and aftershocks. Utah received a major disaster declaration on July 9, 2020 opening the door for federal assistance.
A total of 1200 Utah households registered with FEMA for assistance with disaster related needs. FEMA has approved more than $1 million through its Individuals & Households Program (IHP), the majority of which is going to housing assistance to help homeowners impacted by the quake make repairs or find a temporary place to live.
In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved 89 low-interest disaster loans for more than $2.3 million to aid the recovery of Utah businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.
There is still time for small businesses to apply with SBA for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. The deadline to apply for an EIDL is April 9, 2021.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
On Dec. 31, 2020 additional disaster assistance was approved for Salt Lake County in the form FEMA’s Public Assistance program. The program covers eligible disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or rebuilding of public facilities such as roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, public utilities, parks and recreational facilities.
Public Assistance reimbursements are made on a cost-sharing basis to counties, municipalities, state, tribes and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and restoration of infrastructure. The federal cost share is no less than 75 percent, with the state and local applicant responsible for remaining costs.
FEMA and the Utah Division of Emergency Management are currently working with applicants to identify response and recovery efforts eligible for funding or reimbursement. That includes conducting inspections and formulating estimates for repairs not yet completed, and reviewing invoices, receipts and other documentation for work that has already been completed. Funding assistance will be provided when project eligibility is approved and documentation verified.