DJ Jakala, public affairs specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s disaster recovery and resiliency team, briefed the Hocking County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 6 about SBA loan programs tied to this summer’s flooding and key application deadlines.

Jakala said the governor requested an SBA agency declaration that named Fairfield County as the primary county; the declaration made contiguous counties eligible for the SBA’s full slate of disaster loans. "Your renters and homeowners are also eligible for physical disaster loans," Jakala said. He explained that renters may be eligible for up to $100,000 for losses to possessions and vehicles and homeowners may be eligible for up to $500,000 for physical damage to dwellings under the physical‑damage loan program.

The loans can run up to 30 years, Jakala said, and there is no requirement to repay interest or principal for the first year. Jakala said that provision can help survivors whose immediate priority is stabilizing housing and business operations.

Jakala warned that the physical‑damage loan application deadline (as read at the meeting) is Nov. 12, 2025, though he said a grace period exists if applicants can explain why they missed the normal two‑month application window. Economic‑injury disaster loans (EIDL) have a later deadline: June 12, 2026, he said, to allow businesses time to identify loss of revenue tied to the disaster.

Jakala also said faith‑based organizations, private nonprofits and agricultural cooperatives may qualify for SBA disaster loans and urged local officials and news outlets to help get the word out to affected residents and businesses.

No county vote or funding request followed the presentation; Jakala offered to answer questions and supply additional information to residents and businesses that might apply.