FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Ferguson secures Federal Disaster loans for Businesses Impacted by White River Bridge Closure
OLYMPIA, WA - Governor Ferguson announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration, making low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) available to businesses and nonprofits affected by the closure of the White River Bridge. The declaration, issued August 27th, covers King and Pierce counties, and extends to impacted businesses in Chelan, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lewis, mason, Snohomish, Thurston and Yakima counties.
The bridge closure, resulting from a collision, has created importent travel disruptions, with detours adding up to an hour of travel time. EIDLs are designed to provide working capital to help businesses survive until normal operations can resume, covering expenses such as health care premiums, rent, lease payments, and utility costs. These loans are available to businesses unable to cover normal expenses and secure credit elsewhere.
Businesses can apply for the loans online through the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov. Further information and assistance are available from the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 1-800-659-2955.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has contracted Guy F. Atkinson Construction to complete permanent repairs to the bridge, working seven days a week at the direction of Governor Ferguson. WSDOT anticipates reopening the bridge between Friday,October 31 and Friday,November 14. Temporary repairs where completed by WSDOT crews, allowing the contractor to begin permanent repairs on September 13th. the state is seeking federal funds to reimburse the cost of the repairs.
