Low-Interest Rate Loans Available For Businesses Affected By Methane Gas Leak Near Porter Ranch

PORTER RANCH (CBSLA.com) — Small businesses affected by the methane gas leak near Porter Ranch can now apply for financial assistance from the federal government.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans at a rate below 4 percent. The maximum loan amount is $2 million. The loans may be used toward debt, salaries and other bills.

"SBA is committed to supporting those who are working to restore the economic livelihood of the people in Porter Ranch and the surrounding area," SBA head Maria Contreras-Sweet said. "As the situation continues to unfold, our agency will be offering low-interest working capital loans to the small business men and women who are being severely impacted by this unusual gas leak."

The SBA's Business Recovery Center at 9207 Oakdale Avene in Chatsworth opens next Wednesday. Its hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Applications can be found on the Small Business Administration's website or you can reach customer service at (800) 659-2955.

The gas leak from the Aliso Canyon Storage Facility was finally stopped on Thursday after four months, said the Southern California Gas Co. that owns the well.