Typhoon Mangkhut Recovery: Guam denied Individual Assistance; SBA offers Disaster Loans

Following Governor Eddie Baza Calvo’s appeal for Individual Assistance (IA) in support of recovery efforts from Typhoon Mangkhut that affected the island on September 10 – 11, 2018, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded on November 30, 2018 announcing Guam’s request for a major disaster declaration for individual assistance has been denied. The denial means that federal grant money and services to the people of Guam whose property has been destroyed will not be available at this time. 

Although supplemental information was submitted as part of the appeal and reviewed in addition to the initial request, findings were that the impact to individuals and households from the event was not of the severity and magnitude to warrant the designation of individual assistance.

Following the denial of individual assistance, the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) acted under its own authority to declare a disaster for the territory. SBA now offers low-interest federal disaster loans to Guam businesses and residents affected by Typhoon Mangkhut. Beginning Tuesday, December 11, 2018, SBA representatives will be available at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Astumbo Gym, Dededo. Beginning December 11, the hours of operation will be Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. More information can be found on the SBA press release, attached.

The Guam Housing Corporation and the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority continue to work to assist those whose homes were destroyed from Typhoon Mangkhut. The Government of Guam continues to work with various groups to include Guam Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Faith-based organizations and others with long term recovery efforts for Typhoon Mangkhut. GovGuam, directly and through VOAD, assisted those affected by the storm by distributing tents and help kits to those in need.

Although Individual Assistance was denied, Public Assistance (PA) and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program remain eligible for Guam. PA provides reimbursement grants to state/territorial and local governments, as well as certain non-profit entities to assist with response and recovery from disasters. To date, thirty (30) Government of Guam agencies and two (2) private, non-profit agencies continue to work with GHS/OCD and federal officials to ensure all documentation is in order and projects for response and recovery work are tracked. This is an ongoing effort.