Low-Interest Loans and Grants Available to Those Impacted by Flash Flooding

Harrisburg, PA — The Shapiro Administration announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration approved Gov. Josh Shapiro’s recent request to make financial assistance available to individuals and families affected by the July 5-6, 2026, flash flooding in Blair County, and the surrounding counties of Bedford, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield and Huntingdon.

Additionally, the Shapiro Administration has activated the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Assistance Program through Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The program provides grants to individuals and families affected by the flash flooding in these municipalities of Blair and Huntingdon counties:

• Altoona City,
• Antis Township
• Logan Township
• Snyder Township
•  Tyrone Borough
• Warriors Mark Township

Recovering from a flash flood isn't something anyone should have to face alone. The July 5-6 flash flooding in Blair and Huntingdon Counties caused significant damage for many families and businesses, and we want those affected to know help is available. 

— PEMA Director Randy Padfield

“The Shapiro Administration worked with the federal government to quickly open up access to low-interest loans, and PEMA will activate the Commonwealth’s disaster grant program to help these communities begin the recovery process and recoup unexpected losses," Director Padfield added.

"The introduction of Pennsylvania’s Disaster Recovery Assistance Program is significant for Blair County," said Blair County Emergency Management Agency Interim Director Cris Fredrickson. "This new state program expands the assistance available to those impacted by the recent flooding. DRAP and SBA will strengthen our ability to help residents and businesses within the affected municipalities recover. We appreciate our state, federal, and volunteer partners for making resources available to our community. Recovery is a long process, but these programs represent an important investment in helping our communities rebuild stronger and more resilient after this disaster. We encourage everyone who may be eligible to apply."

"This has been a total team effort to recover from the flash flooding," said Tyrone Mayor John Harlow. "We have had great cooperation from Blair County Emergency Management, PEMA, and SBA as we work to help our neighbors. Seeing neighbors helping neighbors is part of what makes Tyrone special. The support we have received from Director Padfield, the Blair County Commissioners, Senator Fetterman and Congressman Joyce's staff, plus boots on the ground visits from Senator Judy Ward and Rep. Scott Barger shows our community the support we are getting from the state and federal government."
 

SBA Disaster Loan Program

The SBA’s Disaster Loan Program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, private non-profit organizations, and businesses who sustained physical damages from flooding. The SBA can provide up to $500,000 for homeowners to replace or repair their primary residences and up to $100,000 for homeowners and renters to replace or repair personal property. Businesses and most private non-profit organizations may apply for up to $2 million to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance.

Additionally, small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations located in the declared disaster area that have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan .

The SBA offers long-term repayment options, with loan terms of up to 30 years to help keep payments affordable. Repayment terms are determined on a case-by-case basis based on each borrower’s ability to repay. 

Get Help By Phone or Email

Applicants can obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability should dial 711 for relay services.

Applicants also can email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Reference Pennsylvania Disaster Number PA-20037.

Application Deadline

• The deadline to return disaster loan applications for physical damages is Monday, Sep. 21, 2026.
• The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is Wednesday, April 21, 2027.

Paper Applications

Alternatively, download a paper loan application.

Completed paper applications can be dropped off in-person at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center, or mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement
14925 Kingsport Road
Fort Worth, TX 76155-2243

Disaster Recovery Assistance Program

The Commonwealth's Disaster Recovery Assistance Program has grants that are intended for homeowners and renters who meet lower income thresholds, are uninsured or underinsured, and have not received other local, state, federal, non-governmental, or private aid.

Eligible households may receive  grants of up to $20,000 to repair their home, cover temporary housing and rental expenses, or replace essential personal property.

Those impacted by the July 5-6, 2026, flash floods are encouraged to check online to see if they qualify for grants.

The  application portal will open on Thursday, July 23, 2026. All applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026.

Local Resources

Those affected by the flooding who have unmet, non-emergency needs can contact PA 211:

• Call 211
• Text your ZIP code to 898-211
• Via online chat at pa211.org