Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the Small Business Administration to declare a panhandle county a disaster area due to recent storms.
Hockley County, west of Lubbock, was devastated by severe thunderstorms that brought heavy rain, wind, hail and flooding to the area between June 30 and July 4.
"As a result of this devastating weather, many homes and businesses were affected in the area creating an economic emergency for the residents of the county," Abbott said in a statement released Tuesday.
Abbott asked the SBA to declare the county a disaster area so that long-term, low interest loans could be made to business owners in the county trying to recover from, or hold off, economic disaster.
"Although Texans affected by these storms have suffered a great deal, I am confident they will face their challenges head on in the aftermath of this disaster," said Abbott. "Rebuilding is never an easy process but the State of Texas is prepared to do everything in its power to assist the Hockley County Community. I ask that the Small Business Administration grant my request quickly so that these Texans have everything they need to get their lives and businesses back on track."
If approved, the loans will allow business owners in the county, and adjacent counties, to rebuild.
