Business recovery centers closing after flooding

DETROIT (AP) - The U.S. Small Business Administration is closing its three business recovery centers in southeastern Michigan that were set up following August's flooding. The agency says Thursday's closings are due to a steady decrease in activity at the Detroit, Warren and Oak Park locations. Business owners interested in getting low-interest disaster loans are encouraged to visit the centers before they shut. Officials say more than 122,000 residents have registered to receive nearly $216 million in federal disaster relief funds and loans. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved $131 million in grants, while the Small Business Administration has approved $84.9 million in low-interest loans. Those applying for FEMA assistance have until Dec. 14 to register. Those applying for SBA assistance have until Dec. 15 to register. -------- Online: http://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Published: Wed, Dec 03, 2014