Patrick seeking federal relief for bombing impact

BOSTON – Gov. Deval L. Patrick has requested federal relief for small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by the Boston Marathon bombing that occurred April 15.
In a letter sent to the U.S. Small Business Administration last week, Patrick requested that the agency issue an Economic Injury Declaration so that long-term/low-interest SBA loans may be available. In order to receive this federal assistance, the commonwealth must show that businesses were negatively impacted and suffered substantial economic injury.
If this request is granted, the Mass. Emergency Management Agency will coordinate with the Small Business Administration and Boston’s Office of Emergency Management to have disaster specialists available in Boston to work with impacted businesses.
In the days following the bombing, a 12-block area surrounding the explosions was identified as a crime scene by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A large portion of this area remained closed for 10 days.
“The closure of this vibrant area of downtown Boston has caused significant business disruption and negative economic impact to the area,” a news release said. •