Federal Loans Available for Businesses Impacted by Bridge Tragedy

Ally WetheraldNews

Nearly 5,000 trucks crossed the Francis Scott Key Bridge daily, according to the American Trucking Association. That adds up to $28 billion in goods crossing annually.

The collapse has effectively shut down the Port of Baltimore, which is one of the busiest in the U.S. Last year, the port handled $80 billion of cargo.

Many areas and industries are feeling the ripple effect. The York County Economic Alliance said 40 million tons of freight comes into the county each year from Maryland, while 38 million tons heads out.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is rolling out Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help small businesses affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.

The loans are worth up to $2 million and can be used to pay normal operating expenses, payroll, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disruption.

Pennsylvania counties that are eligible for the loans include Lancaster, York, Adams, and Franklin.

To apply or learn more, you can go to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website.