Mo. flood victims eligible for low-interest loans

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- People whose Missouri homes and businesses were damaged by floods and strong storms in August now can qualify for federal low-interest loans.

The U.S. Small Business Administration on Tuesday approved disaster aid for Pulaski and Taney counties, as well as their neighboring counties of Camden, Christian, Douglas, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Ozark, Phelps, Stone and Texas. The aid is for damage that occurred from Aug. 2-14.

Homeowners can get loans of up to $200,000 for their real estate, and owners and renters can get loans of up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property. Businesses and nonprofit groups can get loans of up to $2 million.

President Barack Obama previously approved federal aid for public entities in 18 Missouri counties but denied a disaster declaration for individual assistance.