Here is an update on the types of assistance that have become available due to the Winter Storms experienced in Clark County between December 16, 2008 and January 8, 2009.
Economic Injury and Disaster Loans (EIDL)
All counties in Washington State were included in the SBA declaration for the winter storms.
Contact the Small Business Administration at 1-800-659-2955 if you are a business entity who experienced loss during the winter storm. Here is a factsheet about the types of assistance that may be available.
Agricultural Assistance
Clark County was included in the declaration for Agricultural Loss. The following information relates to the types of assistance through the Farm Service Agency that may be available to those who qualify.
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) for Flooding
The Emergency Conservation Program pays cost-share assistance of up to 75 percent of the cost to implement approved emergency conservation practices, as determined by FSA county committees. Practices include debris removal from pasture land, grading and silt incorporation, fence repair, and repair to certain conservation practices. County committees approve individual or cumulative requests for cost-sharing of up to $200,000 or less per person, per disaster, although funding is limited. Check with the county where you apply to find out the application closing date. Application deadlines are approaching, so contact the office as soon as possible.
Emergency Loan Program (EM Loans)
Emergency loans are low interest loans, 3.75 percent, which may be used to restore or replace essential property, pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year, pay essential family living expenses, reorganize the farming operation, and refinance certain debts. Producers can borrow up to 100 percent of actual production or physical losses, to a maximum amount of $500,000. Applications for emergency loans must be received within 8 months of the county's disaster or quarantine designation date.
Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)
The Livestock Indemnity Program pays producers at established rates for the physical loss of livestock due to losses caused by the storm. The livestock must have been maintained for commercial use as part of a farming operation. This program is part of the 2008 Farm Bill and FSA is waiting for program rules prior to finalizing applications and making payments. Producers should report losses as they become known and keep any documentation of ownership and loss.
Note: If the only agriculturally related enterprise is raising horses, or boarding horses, this is not an eligible farm enterprise for FSA disaster programs.
Supplemental Revenue Assurance Payment Program (SURE)
SURE payments are made when there is a farm revenue loss resulting from a natural disaster. Payments are made when there has been a production or crop quality loss. The payments are in addition to crop insurance or Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) payments. To be eligible for SURE, a producer must have purchased crop insurance or NAP coverage prior to the disaster. This is a 2008 Farm Bill program and FSA is waiting for program rules prior to finalizing applications and making payments. Producers should keep all documentation of production and loss, including prevented planting.
Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
NAP provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occurs due to natural disasters. NAP coverage must be purchased prior to program closing dates and prior to a natural disaster occurring. Producers with losses and NAP coverage should contact their FSA office within 15 calendar days after the:
· natural disaster occurrence;
· final planting date if your planting was prevented by a natural disaster;
· date damage to the crop or loss of production becomes apparent to you.
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees & Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)
ELAP provides financial assistance for situations not covered by SURE and other livestock disaster assistance programs. This is a 2008 Farm Bill program and FSA is waiting for program rules prior to finalizing applications and making payments. Producers should keep all documentation of production and loss.
Tree Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP compensates specialty crop farmers to replant trees and vines destroyed by a natural disaster. This is a 2008 Farm Bill program and FSA is waiting for program rules prior to finalizing applications and making payments. Producers should keep all documentation of production and loss.
FSA Contact Information:
Clark, Skamania, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum Counties
11104 NE 149th St Bldg C Ste 500
Brush Prairie, WA 98606-9518
Phone: (360) 883-1987
Fax: (360) 885-2284
The FSA website is located at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/wa
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