SBA disaster loans available and county reports successful storm‑debris disposal event

Sedgwick County emergency management and public works staff briefed commissioners on two storm‑recovery items on July 9: federal disaster loan availability and results from a county‑operated storm debris disposal event.

SBA disaster loans and service centers Julie Simpson, Sedgwick County Emergency Management director, said the U.S. Small Business Administration opened a disaster loan program for survivors of June storms and floods affecting Butler, Chase, Cowley, Elk, Greenwood, Harvey, Marion, Sedgwick and Sumner counties. Low‑interest loans are available to homeowners, renters, small businesses and private nonprofits; applicants may apply online at lending.sba.gov or use staffed customer service centers available in Wichita (Register of Deeds office, 100 N. Broadway) and El Dorado (Butler County courthouse). Centers will be open for in‑person assistance through mid‑July (the county listed July 9–17 availability in the meeting briefing). Simpson emphasized that SBA loan assistance can be used by homeowners and renters as well as business applicants.

Storm debris disposal event County Engineer and Public Works Director Lynn Packer reported that a free storm debris disposal event held June 26–28 at the county’s West Yard drew 907 vehicles total, 435 on Saturday alone. Public works staff managed traffic, processed loads and replied that despite local flooding and pump work required at the site, the event operated smoothly with minimal issues; county staff coordinated yard operations to avoid the need for traffic control assistance.

Speakers and references are taken from the meeting transcript.