Somerset Times

Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved New Jersey's disaster declaration request. This approval allows small businesses affected by I-80 sinkhole-related closures to access Economic Injury Disaster Loans. In addition, Kean highlighted the upcoming opening of the SBA’s Business Recovery Center in Wharton, NJ, designed to support affected businesses.

"The SBA’s rapid approval of Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses economically impacted by the I-80 closure will provide meaningful relief for businesses in Morris County, as well as the adjacent counties," said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. He noted the cooperation at various government levels to secure these federal resources and mentioned the Business Recovery Center's opening in Wharton on April 8, providing "real-time and on-the-ground support for local businesses."

SBA Atlantic Regional Administrator Matt Coleman stated, "President Trump and Administrator Loeffler have made getting our small businesses back up and running after a disaster the SBA’s highest priority. SBA personnel are on the ground in New Jersey and opening our Business Recovery Center in Wharton on April 8. We are ready to assist those businesses and organizations economically impacted by the I-80 sinkholes."

He further emphasized the SBA’s commitment to supporting small businesses and private non-profit organizations affected by the sinkholes along I-80, not only in Morris County but also in Essex, Hunterdon, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties.

The process began on March 28 when Congressman Kean urged New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to submit a disaster declaration request to the SBA. The request was approved within a day, enabling eligible small businesses that suffered economic losses during the I-80 closure to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

From April 8 through April 22, the SBA will operate a Business Recovery Center at the Wharton Municipal Building. It will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more disaster assistance information, businesses can contact the SBA Customer Service Center Line at (800) 659-2955.