Oil: Barbour wants SBA help

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has asked for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help businesses that have been financially impacted by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. "The oil spill has the potential to impact many small businesses across the Gulf Coast, and in some cases it already has," Barbour said. "Our maritime, fishing and energy industries are vital employers and significant components of our state's coastal economy." If granted, the SBA disaster loans would be available to qualified businesses and nonprofits in George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone counties. Barbour also has requested that SBA temporarily suspend loan repayments for Mississippi coastal businesses impacted by the oil spill who have 2005 and 2008 SBA disaster and economic injury loans as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav. (Source: Governor’s office, 05/13/10)