Summer Plague Relief Available

Small business owners who suffered losses attributed to a drought and grasshopper plague south of Spokane may be eligible for up to $1.5 million in federal lowinterest loans.

The U.S. Small Business Administration said that business owners in Whitman, Garfield, Asotin and Columbia counties may apply through July 2 for losses caused by severe drought and grasshopper infestation.

The drought began in September 1993, continuing through the present; the grasshopper plague struck last May through August.

Farmers are not eligible for SBA assistance. However, Rural Economic and Community Development, formerly Farmers Home Administration, is providing disaster relief to producers.

Applications from the SBA are available by writing P.O. Box 13795, Sacramento, CA 95853-4795, or by calling (800) 488-7388.