The federal recovery center in National City, aiding businesses impacted by recent flooding, will temporarily close starting Monday.

Services Paused During Spring Break

Operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) at Southwestern College, the closure is due to the institution’s spring break. Normal operations will resume on April 2.

The National City Business Recovery Center opened nearly a month ago, following severe flooding on Jan. 22 that caused significant damage to local businesses.

Assistance Amid Disaster Declaration

This initiative followed a major disaster declaration by the Biden Administration for San Diego County and other affected regions in California, unlocking funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Additional Recovery Centers

Since its inception, two more recovery centers have been established by SBA officials: one at the Mountain View Community Center and another at the Spring Valley Library. Both centers will remain operational during the hiatus of the Southwestern College site.

Assistance Details

At these recovery centers, businesses of all sizes and non-profits can apply for loans of up to $2 million. These loans can be utilized for repairing and replacing damaged real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and more. Additionally, funds may be allocated for improvements aimed at mitigating future disaster damage.

Applicants can submit their requests online through the SBA’s website or contact the Customer Service Center.

Homeowner Assistance

Apart from business support, the federal government is also offering low-interest disaster loans to homeowners. These loans, up to $500,000, aim to assist in property repairs. Additionally, up to $100,000 is available for repairing or replacing personal property.

Application Deadlines

The deadline to apply for property damage loans is April 19, while the deadline for economic injury loans is Nov. 19.

Aid Amidst Adversity

As communities continue to recover from the recent flooding, the temporary closure of the National City Federal Recovery Center underscores the ongoing efforts to support businesses and homeowners in rebuilding their lives. With various assistance programs in place and accessible through multiple channels, affected individuals and entities have avenues to navigate through these challenging times.

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