WASHINGTON, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- With today marking the beginning of
the 2006 hurricane season, the U.S. Small Business Administration stands
ready to respond quickly and efficiently in the event of disaster. SBA
currently has a strong disaster response operation in place, including a
large roster of highly trained, experienced personnel, updated
state-of-the-art equipment and enhanced logistics and coordination both
internally and externally.
"As we have for over 50 years, the SBA stands prepared to help those
who may be impacted by a disaster this year, especially as we enter what
may be an active hurricane season," said SBA Administrator Hector V.
Barreto. "Following last year's devastating hurricanes, the SBA mobilized
like never before, approving more than $9.7 billion to more than 149,000
businesses, homeowners and renters and we will be prepared to do so again."
The agency's disaster operation centers are fully staffed with trained
and experienced disaster personnel, including loss verifiers, loan
processors and attorneys. Additionally, a disaster reserve corps is being
established.
All equipment necessary to function in another large disaster is in
place and the agency is prepared to acquire the necessary work space as
needed.
The agency's computerized disaster loan processing system known as the
Disaster Credit Management System (DCMS) has been significantly upgraded
and will be operational this month. By upgrading DCMS, the agency is better
able to provide an expedited response to disasters, improve the quality and
timeliness of disaster loan processing and reduce the cost of personnel,
training, overtime and travel.
In an effort to enhance the closing and disbursement of disaster loans,
the agency earlier this year issued a request for proposals for a contract
with private sector companies to assist with these functions. Three
companies have been selected to conduct the work.
SBA's ability to work effectively with national, state and local
organizations remains equally important as internal agency operations. To
better prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, the SBA will continue to
participate in a variety of planning and coordination exercises designed to
strengthen and enhance disaster response tactics across the board.
"While we are doing our part to be prepared to respond to disasters, it
is equally important for the public and businesses to be prepared in case
disaster strikes," said Barreto. "There are many resources readily
available to guide the public through the steps to be well-prepared."
To learn more about the SBA's disaster assistance program and about
disaster preparedness, visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster.
SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration
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Related links:
http://www.sba.gov
CONTACT:
Anne Marie Frawley of U.S. Small Business
Administration, +1-202-205-6948
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