LYNNWOOD — The federal government may lend a hand to those who lost belongings in the Lynnview Apartments fire Monday.
The fire caused an estimated $3 million in damage, not counting people’s possessions. It emptied 37 units and left several families homeless.
On Friday, Gov. Chris Gregoire asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to approve a declaration of physical loss for those who were displaced and for neighboring businesses that sustained minor damage.
If approved, the declaration would set up a disaster loan outreach center locally. The center could approve low-interest loans to replace lost, uninsured belongings. Businesses also can apply to replace money lost while dealing with fire damage.
Such declarations happen in Washington state about once a year, officials said Friday.
The SBA joined state and local officials at the apartment complex Wednesday to inspect the damage. The agency aims to make a decision as soon as possible, perhaps within a week or so, said Charmagne Husmann, spokeswoman for the SBA disaster assistance office.
The loans can be up to $40,000 per resident and up to $2 million for businesses.
Because the loans are paid for with taxpayer dollars, applicants would have to demonstrate an ability to repay.
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