ATLANTA — A representative for the U.S. Small Business Administration is letting local governments know that if their constituents had any economic damage as a result of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse that the SBA has low interest loans available.

The main span of the bridge over the Patapsco River collapsed onto the bow of the Singapore-flagged container ship Dali just before 1:30 a.m. on March 26 when it  struck a bridge support. Six state highway workers were killed and two injured.

Until the ship and debris are removed it currently blocks access via the deepest channel to the Port of Baltimore.

All Maryland counties and Baltimore City qualify for federal assistance, as do all three Delaware counties and Accomack County in Virginia qualify with the main funding source SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program.

Arleace Green, public affairs specialist from SBA’s Atlanta Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience presented information about opportunities for small businesses and non-profits to the Princess Anne Town Commissioners on Monday, and she is scheduled to do the same this evening when the Crisfield Mayor and City Council meet.

She said there are no payments or interest due during the first 12 months of the loan with fixed rates at 4% for businesses and 3.25% for non-profits during the term years determined by the SBA.

Applications for up to $2 million are due Dec. 30, 2024 with up to $25,000 available unsecured.

To apply for an EIDL visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955. For more information call or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.