In this file photo, federal officials hit the ground running in Gaylord to assess tornado damage. The U.S. Small Business Administration granted an administrative declaration of disaster for Otsego County on Wednesday, July 13, nearly two months after an EF-3 tornado swept through Gaylord.

LANSING, MI – A federal disaster assistance program will provide low-interest loans to Gaylord residents and businesses impacted by a destructive tornado.

The U.S. Small Business Administration granted an administrative declaration of disaster for Otsego County on Wednesday, July 13, nearly two months after an EF-3 tornado swept through Gaylord.

“This declaration is an important step in getting the necessary support and resources to the Gaylord community,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “It is clear this tornado had devastating impacts in Otsego County. These loans will allow people and businesses to begin rebuilding and will ensure the community continues to move forward.”

Related: Find all Gaylord tornado coverage here.

Two people died and dozens more were injured in the May 20 storm that cut through Gaylord in less than three minutes. It ravaged homes in the Nottingham Forest Mobile Home Park, hit a neighborhood north of downtown Gaylord and flattened some businesses on M-32.

In the days after the tornado, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Michigan State Police’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division hit the ground to assess the damage.

Whitmer asked President Joe Biden last month to declare a major disaster, but that request was denied on July 2.

The governor then asked the SBA for a disaster declaration to unlock additional resources for Gaylord.

“Everyone who knows the Gaylord community knows that our people are strong and resilient in the face of challenges,” said State Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland. “This declaration of additional available funds will go a long way toward easing the incredible burden that families and businesses have shouldered in the face of this disaster.”

Related: Drone footage from Gaylord neighborhoods devastated by rare EF3 tornado

The SBA disaster assistance program provides low-interest loans up to $2 million to homeowners, renters, businesses and organizations to repair or replace damaged property. Repayment is tailored to the financial capability of each borrower, a news release said.

The declaration covers Otsego County and the surrounding Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Kalkaska, Montmorency and Oscoda counties.

A temporary disaster loan outreach center will be set up to provide one-on-one assistance. Loan applications will also be available online or by mail.

Additional information is available at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s.

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