Federal Aid Rushes to Indiana's Storm-Ravaged Rural Spots

2025-02741, HUBZone Program Updates and Clarifications, and Clarifications to Other Small Business Programs; Correction

The SBA fixed some small but important mistakes in its recent HUBZone and small business program rules to make things clearer and fairer. These corrections affect small businesses using HUBZone and other SBA programs, especially around size protests and financial reporting. The fixes take effect on February 18, 2025, helping businesses avoid confusion and unnecessary paperwork.

2026-20080, Interest Rates

The Small Business Administration set the Optional Peg Rate at 5.00% for October to December 2026, which affects SBA direct and guaranteed fluctuating interest rate loans. Third Party Lenders funding 504 projects must keep their commercial loan rates within legal limits, capped at 6% above the New York Prime rate or state law limits. These changes help small businesses plan their loan costs for the upcoming quarter.

2026-19941, Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Indiana

The President has updated the disaster declaration for Indiana after severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in August 2026. This change adds more counties to the list eligible for public assistance, helping more communities get support. If you’re affected, you can apply for disaster loans by October 25, 2026, for physical damage, or by May 25, 2027, for economic injury.

2026-19942, Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Texas

Texas is getting extra help after severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding hit from July 12 to August 4, 2026. The government added four more counties to the disaster assistance list, so more communities can apply for aid. If you’re affected, you have until November 2, 2026, to apply for physical damage loans and until June 1, 2027, for economic injury loans.

2026-19943, Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for the State of Indiana

Indiana’s disaster declaration just got bigger! Three more counties—Cass, Pike, and Putnam—can now apply for physical and economic disaster loans, while five nearby counties get access to economic injury loans. If you’re affected, act fast: physical loan applications close October 25, 2026, and economic injury loans are open until May 25, 2027.

2026-19851, Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the State of NEW YORK

New York got hit by big storms and flooding from July 28-29, 2026, and now the government says it’s an official disaster. People and businesses in certain counties can apply for low-interest loans to fix damage or cover lost income. You’ve got until November 23, 2026, for physical damage loans and June 24, 2027, for economic injury loans—so don’t wait!

Previous: 2025-16864, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America

The government is considering bringing back rules that protect marine mammals during underwater surveys in the Gulf of America. These surveys can accidentally disturb whales and dolphins, so the rules help keep them safe. People have a chance to share their thoughts before any decisions are made, and this could affect survey activities soon.

Next: 2025-16867, Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection: Form No. I-515A; Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor

The government is keeping the Form I-515A, which helps students and exchange visitors stay on track with their immigration status, just as it is—no changes! If you’re a student or exchange visitor in the U.S., this means you’ll keep using the same form without any new fees or delays. The Department of Homeland Security is making sure this paperwork stays easy and clear for everyone involved.