LANCASTER, OH – Businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters in Fairfield and Pickaway counties are now eligible for low-interest federal disaster loans following severe flooding that hit the region in late July.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued the disaster declaration after Gov. Mike DeWine’s request on September 10, covering Fairfield, Pickaway, and four other central Ohio counties. The flooding, which occurred July 26–28, caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Loans are available for a wide range of recovery needs:
- Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged property, equipment, and inventory.
- Homeowners may borrow up to $500,000 to repair or replace a primary residence.
- Renters and homeowners can also apply for up to $100,000 to replace personal property, such as vehicles, furniture, and appliances.
Applicants may be eligible for an additional 20% to fund mitigation measures like storm shelters or structural strengthening against future weather events. Interest rates are as low as 2.813% for homeowners and renters, with repayment terms of up to 30 years. Payments will not begin until one year after the first disbursement.
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open Wednesday, September 17, at the Fairfield County Emergency Management office, 240 Baldwin Drive in Lancaster. The center will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will permanently close October 1 at 4 p.m.
Residents are urged not to delay applying, even if they are still waiting on insurance settlements. The filing deadline for physical damage loans is November 12, 2025, while applications for economic injury loans are due by June 12, 2026.
For more information or to apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.
