
Texan businesses are in anticipation of possible relief following Governor Greg Abbott's move to request a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The request comes in response to a dire situation in Laredo, where a water connection issue that surfaced in October led to extended boil water notices and raised concerns over potential E. coli contamination. This incident has left small businesses in Webb County facing considerable economic hardship.
According to an announcement by the Governor's office, a preliminary survey of local businesses indicated a significant economic impact warranting financial assistance. "Since last October when Laredo was impacted by prolonged boil water notices, Texas continues working with local officials to ensure there are no unmet needs for Texans in Webb County and the surrounding area," Governor Abbott stated. In the initial response to the disaster, Texas mobilized resources to aid the border community, delivering over 60 truckloads of bottled water and dispatching the Texas A&M Public Works Response Team to assist in service restoration efforts.
If the SBA approves the state's request, Webb County's small businesses could have access to low-interest loans aimed at aiding their recovery process. These loans are part of the SBA's disaster programs designed to support entities that have faced substantial economic injuries due the disaster incidents and where adequate financial support is not otherwise accessible through reasonable terms.
Back in October, the situation prompted Governor Abbott to issue a disaster declaration following the identification of E. coli in the city's water system. The state's proactive measures included a significant distribution of bottled drinking water and an alliance with the Texas A&M Public Works Response Team to expedite recovery. These measures were critical in addressing immediate needs; however, the request for SBA assistance underscores a longer-term economic recovery approach for businesses still grappling with the aftermath of a water supply crisis.