The Small Business Administration announced Friday the approval of more than $55 million in SBA Disaster Loans in Texas, according to Carl Sherrill, SBA communications specialist.

 In Jefferson County, the SBA approved over $2.5 million. Their average loan in Southeast Texas is around $66,000 versus $50,000 for the total state — which reflects the extensive damage in Southeast Texas.

 Based on statewide figures, 95 percent of those who have received SBA disaster loan applications have not returned them — and as of now, the deadline for applications to be submitted is less than a month away on November 12.

 The SBA has issued 35,458 applications in Jefferson County: 28,890 renter/home applications and 6,568 business applications.

 Anyone needing assistance with their application can visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Port Arthur Civic Center, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Businesses can visit the Business Assistance Center at the Lamar State College Small Business Development Center, SBDC, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The SBDC can help businesses re-create financial statements that were lost. Their services are free.

Submitting a loan application is not a commitment — but it is a possible gateway to further assistance. For 98 percent of renters/homeowners who submit applications, the SBA is able to either make them a loan or refer them to FEMA for possible further assistance.

 Insurance does not have to be settled before registrants submit their SBA application. Sherrill says the SBA wants to get funds into people’s hands as soon as possible so they can begin to rebuild. Insurance settlements can be used to pay down the loan later.

 If the SBA had someone’s application, on Friday for instance, the agency could possibly have them an answer by the first week of November —s o far this year the SBA has been able to have an answer for renters/homeowners in six days and businesses in 10 days. Sherrill says this is a reflection of the $55 million the SBA has already approved in Texas. 

 ”I know people in Jefferson County have had a lot to think about, but I don’t want anyone miss out on assistance that may be available to them. And after November 12, this assistance may not be available if they have not completed their SBA application,” Sherrill said.