FEMA, SBA outline disaster assistance and loan terms for Pike County flood survivors

FEMA and the Small Business Administration briefed Pike County Fiscal Court members on March 17 about how residents and local businesses can apply for federal disaster aid following the February flooding and what to expect from loans and grants.

The briefing explained the two primary federal relief paths: FEMA individual assistance grants for households and SBA disaster loans for long-term recovery. Zach Myers, FEMA intergovernmental affairs specialist, said “All individuals are encouraged to apply.” Jim Herso, identified in the meeting as a public affairs specialist with the Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Recovery, reviewed SBA loan types, interest rates and timelines.

Why this matters: County officials said much of eastern Kentucky’s recovery will depend on correct applications and documentation because federal reimbursement and loan offers hinge on formal procedures. Officials urged residents to apply promptly and to appeal denials rather than accept initial determinations.

Myers described FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) and encouraged anyone affected to register through one of four methods — online at disasterassistance.gov, the FEMA app, the toll-free hotline, or at a disaster recovery center (DRC). He said…