Many have been asking about the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Loan Program. Here is what we know: The Federal Emergency Declaration last week activated the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL). We expect the program to cover the entire state, and not just counties where individual have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Governor Kay Ivey and her team at the Alabama Department of Commerce, in coordination with SBA’s District Office (in Birmingham), submitted the information required to request an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance declaration on Tuesday evening.
Upon receipt of the request from the Governor, SBA will issue an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration. It can take 24-48 hours for SBA to process that application and activate the online application form for residents of Alabama. Until that happens, companies in Alabama cannot apply for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
Please note: the EIDL is a loan – and is not a grant. You should discuss the EIDL and other recovery strategies with your SBDC Business Advisor to ensure that you are taking all necessary steps to secure the viability of your business through the economic and social disruption caused by this disease and actions taken to prevent its spread.
When approved, Alabama’s Small Businesses will be able to go to SBA.gov and make a request for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) online. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
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COVID-19 Update City of Russellville
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Various city leaders and medical personnel met this morning to discuss the COVID-19 Virus and actions that we need to consider. At this time, we are asking citizens to adhere to the recommendations of the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the Alabama Department of Public Health. At last night’s City Council meeting the Mayor and council passed a resolution declaring a local emergency to go hand in hand with the State and National Emergencies declared. What this does is allows the Mayor to take action on things that normally would have to have council approval related to the COVID-19 Virus. Information we have received is that if you feel you may be infected and have the symptoms that you should call your personal doctor first, before going to Urgent Cares or Emergency Rooms. If you do not have a primary doctor then you can call 1-888-264-2256 for screening. This is the recommendation from the Department of Public Health. It is very possible that you may have several of the symptoms but not be positive for COVID-19. You may also dial #211 for general information related to the COVID-19 Virus. You may also go to www.alabamapublichealth.gov to get up to date information and the latest number of positive cases in Alabama. We have received word that some people are getting on social media stating that they have knowledge of positive COVID-19 cases in Russellville. We urge you to check the Alabama Public Heath website for confirmation before spreading rumors. All this does is cause undue panic and alarm that is not needed at this time. We will give updates as we get them as to any positive cases being diagnosed in Russellville and Franklin County. We ask you to protect yourselves and family by adhering to the steps listed by the Alabama Department of Heath and the CDC (CDC.gov) www.cdc.gov
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All City essential services, Police, Fire, Street, City Hall will continue normal business hours. We will be sanitizing the offices to insure they are safe for the public but, if you can get your information by phone we ask that you use that means to do so. You may call using these numbers:
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City Hall 256-332-6060
Police Department 256-332-2230
Fire Department 256-332-8761
Street Department 256-332-8750
The Russellville Library has made some modification to their schedule and they are as follows:
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Effective 3/17/2020
No Computers, Reading Areas, or Reference Books are available at this time.
All programs have been canceled until further notice.
We ask you do not remain in the building for a prolonged period of time.
No public restrooms available.
No children unattended.
Curbside pickup available by calling 256-332-1535
We will make additional updates as we are also informed.