MECOSTA CO. -- Businesses and residents affected by the severe flooding in Mecosta County in late January will be able to receive low-interest disaster loans.

Governor Rick Snyder announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his request for a disaster declaration.

The declaration covers Mecosta County and the neighboring counties of Clare, Isabella, Lake, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola.

"I am pleased the Small Business Administration will provide financial assistance to individuals and businesses affected by the floods," Snyder said. "The availability of these loans will bring some relief to those working to recover and rebuild."

The SBA program provides low-interest disaster loans for uninsured losses for homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations to repair and replace assets that have been damaged or destroyed by disasters.

There will be a temporary disaster recovery center opening later this week that will be able to provide one-on-one assistances to those affected.

You can also apply for a loan online at www.sba.gov or by mail.

The flooding of the Muskegon River in Mecosta County forced residents to evacuate homes along the river in late January.