Storm victims from the Mother's Day storm in Bertie and Onslow counties can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration.

Last week Governor Mike Easley sought a disaster declaration for the two counties because of the May 11th storm. In addition to Bertie and Onslow counties, the declaration covers the adjacent counties of Carteret, Chowan, Duplin, Halifax, Hertford, Jones, Martin, Northampton, Pender and Washington.

The SBA says loans up to $200,000 will be available to homeowners to help replace or repair their homes, while homeowners and renters can apply for loans up to $40,000 to replace personal property.

Businesses and private non-profits may borrow up to $1.5 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

The SBA has set up loan outreach centers in several of the communities affected.

Bertie County

Mount Olive Baptist Church, 102 Mount Olive Road in Windsor.
Hours: Tuesday, May 20- Friday, May 23 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday, May 24, 9:00 am - 1 pm (one Saturday only)
Open: Tuesday, May 27 - Thursday May 29 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closing: Thursday, May 29 at the close of business

Onslow County

Maysville Town Hall, 404 Main Street in Maysville
Hours: Tuesday, May 20- Friday, May 23 from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday, May 24, 9:00 am - 1 pm (one Saturday only)
Open:Tuesday, May 27 - Thursday, May 29 from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Closing: Thursday, May 29 at the close of business