ROCK HILL, S.C. — The deadline to apply for low-interest recovery loans from the federal government following the destructive April 20 thunderstorm in Rock Hill has been extended to Saturday.
Originally scheduled to close permanently on Thursday, the deadline for virtual and in-person applications has been extended to Saturday, June 22 at 4 p.m.
The U.S. Small Business Administration loans come after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied Gov. Henry McMaster's request for individual assistance funds.
Although some residents applied, others say they didn't even consider the loan option.
“People are so disinterested in the loans, they have not been talking about it," Patrice McKee, a Rock Hill resident explained. "It’s not helping. They don’t care about it. I presume that’s why they extended it, people just aren’t interested. It’s not helping,"
“Only thing I can say is right now we need prayers," another resident said. "Hopefully, God will make a way for all of us,”
The April 20 severe weather event produced damaging hail and wind in portions of York County, South Carolina and surrounding areas.
Residents and business owners from York, Cherokee, Chester Lancaster and Union counties in South Carolina - along with Cleveland, Mecklenburg and Gaston counties in North Carolina - can apply for the government loans.
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center, located in the Pathways Community Center in Suite G at 546 South Cherry Road in Rock Hill, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Saturdays 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. It will now permanently close at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 22.
Customer service representatives will be available at the center to help applicants.
Loans up to $500,000 are available for homeowners to repair or replace damaged property. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $100,00 to repair or replace damaged personal property.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for nonprofit organizations, and 2.688% for homeowners and renters. Terms go up to 30 years. After the first year, the first payment will come due and interest will begin to accrue.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is July 29, 2024 The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 28, 2025. Applications may be completed in-person or online.
Rock Hill severe thunderstorm damage
FEMA said even though the storm damage was severe, it did not meet the agency's standard for federal assistance.
"Based on our review of all the information available, it has been determined that the damage from this event was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies," FEMA wrote in a letter to McMaster.
York County Government said they are disappointed in FEMA's decision and south other options, such as the SBA loans, to aid residents.
The supercell thunderstorm produced winds up to 90 mph as it moved across York County in April. These winds, the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane, toppled trees and damaged homes. The storm also produced hail stones at least 2 inches in diameter, surveyors found. While the storms did not produce any tornadoes, WCNC Charlotte Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich explained the impact on homeowners and business owners is the same whether the winds came from a tornado or a thunderstorm.
Residents who still have general questions about the storm can call the York County Office of Emergency Management at (803) 326-2300