Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) announced that the deadline to apply for SBA disaster loan assistance for physical damage resulting from the severe weather that occurred in early May is July 11, 2003.  Victims seeking assistance for economic injury have until February 12, 2004 to apply for grants or loans. 

"We were hit hard in North Alabama by the severe weather and flooding this Spring," said Cramer.  "Many individuals, businesses and local governments still need federal assistance in recovering from this disaster, and the deadline for SBA assistance is rapidly approaching.  In some cases, people or businesses must be turned down by SBA before they are eligible for other federal assistance.  I want to urge all victims who need assistance to call the FEMA number as soon as possible to get help."

Alabama disaster aid has already topped $25 million for individual and family storm victims.  To apply for either the SBA or FEMA federal assistance, contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA, or 1-800-621-3362. The number is 1-800-462-7585 for the speech and hearing impaired.  All lines are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

All counties in the 5^th Congressional District were declared eligible for disaster assistance: Colbert, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison and Morgan.