SENATOR COLLINS ANNOUNCES DISASTER RELIEF AVAILBLE TO SMALL BUSINESSES HURT BY RED TIDE

Washington, DC – Senator Susan Collins today announced that small businesses in Maine who are adversely affected by red tide will be eligible to apply for federal disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Senator Collins had written to the SBA Administrator and the Director of the regional office that includes Maine, requesting that the agency issue a disaster declaration for the counties where shellfish beds have been closed due to red tide.

"I'm pleased the SBA has recognized how devastating red tide has been and could still be on small businesses in Maine – from fishermen to seaside restaurants. This provides some economic relief to those businesses that are struggling because of the impact red tide has had on Maine's shellfish industry," said Senator Collins. "This year's outbreak of red tide is the worst experienced by New England in over three decades. This could have a devastating and lasting impact on an industry that generates $75 million for Maine each year. It is critical that affected businesses have access to resources to help them through these difficult times."

The SBA declaration makes available low interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses in Maine that are unable to pay bills or meet operating expenses. Information is available on the SBA web site at: www.sba.gov/disaster.

Senator Collins last week met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez to discuss the threat to Maine's shellfish industry and economy caused by red tide, and to appeal for aid from that agency. Following the meeting, the Secretary declared that Maine's shellfish industry is in a state of economic emergency caused by red tide, which opens the door to separate federal funding to assist businesses that are adversely affected.

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