WASHINGTON – Today Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) issued the following statement after learning the Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a Disaster Declaration for Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk counties following April's storms that caused major flooding:

"I'm pleased to see the SBA has granted our request to offer low-interest loan assistance to our businesses and homeowners in Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk counties," said Kerry. "The flooding last month was devastating to the livelihoods of many Massachusetts small business owners and this aid is critical to helping them get back on their feet. The total damage in all of the affected counties has been estimated to be at least $10 million, so a lot of work still remains to be done. I will continue to work with Governor Patrick and the SBA to make sure these loans get into the hands of flood victims swiftly and to ensure all of our small businesses can get back to business as soon as possible."

Kerry and Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) wrote to the SBA on May 3, 2007 to support Governor Patrick's disaster aid request. To read the letter, please click here.