Gov. Patrick Seeks Federal Relief for Businesses in Blast Zone

Gov. Deval Patrick appealed to a federal agency today to get relief for businesses affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.

Patrick sent a letter to the U.S. Small Business Administration requesting that the agency issue an Economic Injury Declaration for Suffolk County so that long-term/low interest SBA loans may be available to the affected businesses and private nonprofit organizations, according to a press statement issued by governor’s office on Friday.

Numerous businesses on Boylston Street and its cross streets were forced to stay closed from April 15 to April 24 or 25 because a 12-block area surrounding the bombing site was considered a crime scene by the FBI.

To receive this federal assistance, the Commonwealth must show that businesses were negatively impacted and suffered substantial economic injury, according to Patrick’s statement.

“Requesting this federal aid will help Boston and the Commonwealth recover faster from the tragic events that unfolded at the Marathon,” Patrick said in the statement. “I urge the Small Business Administration to approve our request quickly to help the small businesses that keep our Commonwealth strong rebuild.”

A preliminary Massachusetts Energy Management Agency survey found that at least five small businesses in the area were severely impacted, which satisfied the requirement for Patrick to file for the assistance, the statement says.

President Barack Obama has already issued an Emergency Declaration for Suffolk, Norfolk and Middlesex counties (the counties that host the Boston Marathon route). The Emergency Declaration authorizes the federal government to reimburse municipalities, state agencies and certain nonprofits for 75 percent of the cost of Direct Federal Assistance and emergency protective measures necessary to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of catastrophe in the designated counties.