Bernardsville, NJ – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) addressed the extension of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Business Recovery Center in Wharton, NJ. The center will now operate through May 6 to assist small businesses affected by closures linked to a sinkhole on I-80.
Kean had previously announced the SBA’s approval of New Jersey’s disaster declaration request, allowing Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses in Morris County and neighboring areas. The extended service at the Business Recovery Center provides continued access to federal support.
Kean appealed to Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to broaden the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program’s reach to include Sussex County. Presently, the program supports businesses in Morris County but leaves those in Sussex County, also impacted by the closures, without aid.
“The SBA’s rapid approval of Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses impacted by the I-80 closure continues to provide meaningful relief for businesses in Morris County, as well as the adjacent counties,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “With the Business Recovery Center in Wharton now extended through May 6, affected businesses have additional time to access critical, on-the-ground support. State-level support programs should also be expanded beyond Morris County to help other severely impacted businesses, including those in Sussex County.”
Kean had written to Governor Murphy on March 28, urging an official disaster declaration request to the SBA. Following this request, the SBA quickly provided federal assistance for businesses facing economic hardships due to the I-80 sinkhole. Businesses in Morris, Essex, Hunterdon, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties can seek Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
The SBA’s Business Recovery Center in Wharton will stay open through May 6. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. SBA representatives will offer personalized help to business owners in applying for loans and other recovery resources.
For further disaster assistance information, contact the SBA Customer Service Center Line at (800) 659-2955.
