Federal Independent Agencies
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from federal independent agencies.
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PA 15613 - SBA Deadline for Pennsylvania Small Businesses to Apply for Working Capital Loans for the July 2018 Flooding is April 25
ATLANTA, Georgia, March 22 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding businesses in Pennsylvania that working capital loans are still available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives; small businesses engaged in aquaculture and private nonprofit organizations affected by flooding on July 2, 2018.
"Businesses that suffered economic losses as a result of the disaster and want to apply for low-Interest loans from the SBA are urged to do so before the April 25 deadline,"
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ATLANTA, Georgia, March 22 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding businesses in Pennsylvania that working capital loans are still available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives; small businesses engaged in aquaculture and private nonprofit organizations affected by flooding on July 2, 2018.
"Businesses that suffered economic losses as a result of the disaster and want to apply for low-Interest loans from the SBA are urged to do so before the April 25 deadline,"said Kem Fleming, director of SBA Field Operations Center East.
Low-interest disaster loans are available in the following counties: Bedford, Blair. Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Huntingdon in Pennsylvania.
Working capital disaster loans up to $2 million are available at 3.61 percent for small businesses, and 2.5 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. The loans are intended to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. To be considered for this assistance, eligible entities need to apply by the deadline.
Survivors may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA's secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.
Businesses may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov (link sends e-mail). Loan applications can also be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 25, 2019.
OK 15668-02 One Month Left to Apply for SBA Disaster Loans
SACRAMENTO, California, March 22 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded small nonfarm businesses in four Oklahoma counties and neighboring counties in Texas of the April 22, 2019, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the drought in the following primary county that began Aug. 7, 2018.
Primary
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SACRAMENTO, California, March 22 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded small nonfarm businesses in four Oklahoma counties and neighboring counties in Texas of the April 22, 2019, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the drought in the following primary county that began Aug. 7, 2018.
PrimaryOklahoma county: Love;
Neighboring Oklahoma counties: Carter, Jefferson, Marshall;
Neighboring Texas counties: Cooke, Grayson, Montague.
According to Garfield, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. "Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster's impact," said Garfield.
"SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage," Garfield added.
The interest rate is 3.675 percent for businesses and 2.5 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Aug. 20, 2018.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary's declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov (link sends e-mail) for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
MO 15667-02 'One Month Left to Apply for SBA Disaster Loans'
SACRAMENTO, California, March 22 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded small nonfarm businesses in 33 Missouri counties and neighboring counties in Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma of the April 22, 2019, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the drought in the following primary counties
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SACRAMENTO, California, March 22 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded small nonfarm businesses in 33 Missouri counties and neighboring counties in Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma of the April 22, 2019, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the drought in the following primary countiesthat began June 19, 2018.
Primary Missouri counties: Audrain, Barry, Barton, Boone, Callaway, Cooper, Dade, Jasper, Lawrence, Moniteau, Monroe and Newton;
Neighboring Missouri counties: Cedar, Christian, Cole, Greene, Howard, Macon, Marion, McDonald, Miller, Montgomery, Morgan, Osage, Pettis, Pike, Polk, Ralls, Randolph, Saline, Shelby, Stone and Vernon;
Neighboring Arkansas counties: Benton and Carroll;
Neighboring Kansas counties: Cherokee and Crawford;
Neighboring Oklahoma county: Ottawa.
According to Garfield, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. "Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster's impact," said Garfield.
"SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage," Garfield added.
The interest rate is 3.61 percent for businesses and 2.5 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Aug. 20, 2018.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary's declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov (link sends e-mail) for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
IDB Changes Location of Annual Meeting
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) today resolved that the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors will not be held in Chengdu, People's Republic of China, from March 28 to 31, 2019.
The Board also resolved that the Administration will present its recommendations for the location and date of the 2019 Annual Meetings of the IDB within a period of 30 days.
FHLBank Declares First Quarter Dividend
TOPEKA, Kansas, March 22 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
"As we strive to continue meeting our members' needs for liquidity and other financial services, FHLBank Topeka's excellent financial performance continues as well," said Mark Yardley, president and CEO. "Today, the board of directors increased your cooperative's already attractive dividend rates on both Class A and Class B stock by 25 basis points. We are pleased to offer a consistent source of value to our members through their ownership in FHLBank."
The
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TOPEKA, Kansas, March 22 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
"As we strive to continue meeting our members' needs for liquidity and other financial services, FHLBank Topeka's excellent financial performance continues as well," said Mark Yardley, president and CEO. "Today, the board of directors increased your cooperative's already attractive dividend rates on both Class A and Class B stock by 25 basis points. We are pleased to offer a consistent source of value to our members through their ownership in FHLBank."
Theboard of directors approved the following first quarter dividends for both the activity-based capital stock (Class B) and membership capital stock (Class A) at its March 22, 2019, meeting:
* Class A Common Stock: 2.25 percent (per annum)
* Class B Common Stock: 7.50 percent (per annum)
Returning a substantial portion of earnings to our members in the form of dividends provides significant value. We encourage members to factor this attractive dividend rate into any funding decision. Please contact the Lending Desk or your regional account manager if you have any questions on the impact of the above-market dividend on FHLBank advance rates and for information on comparing the all-in cost to various deposit pricing strategies and brokered deposit funding options.
We expect to maintain similar dividend rates for the near future. However, keep in mind that market conditions can be unpredictable and adverse changes may result in lower dividend rates in future quarters.
The dividends on both classes of stock are payable in the form of Class B Common Stock and will be credited to your institution's capital stock account at the close of business on March 29, 2019. Any partial shares will be paid in cash and credited to your institution's demand deposit account on that date as well.
If you have any questions related to the dividend, please contact the Lending Desk at 800.809.2733.
EPA Water Assistant Administrator Issues Statement on World Water Day
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following statement by Assistant EPA Administrator for Water David Ross on World Water Day:
"Today we celebrate World Water Day. It is a day when people around the world take time to think about and appreciate the significance of water in our lives. Water is the lifeblood of our communities. It drives our economy, it protects our public health, and it is central to our way of life.
"On this day, it is important for us to take time to appreciate all those who work to keep our water supplies safe--from the dedicated professionals
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WASHINGTON, March 22 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following statement by Assistant EPA Administrator for Water David Ross on World Water Day:
"Today we celebrate World Water Day. It is a day when people around the world take time to think about and appreciate the significance of water in our lives. Water is the lifeblood of our communities. It drives our economy, it protects our public health, and it is central to our way of life.
"On this day, it is important for us to take time to appreciate all those who work to keep our water supplies safe--from the dedicated professionalsat the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and our federal counterparts, to local, state and tribal governments, to public and private utilities, to manufacturers and suppliers of innovative water and wastewater treatment technologies, to nongovernmental organizations and others. Together, through our vast network of partners, we are making meaningful progress toward preserving and enhancing the quality and security of our water supply.
"Additionally, I want to shine a special light on a part of the water sector community that frequently goes unrecognized. They are the water and wastewater treatment operators, laboratory specialists, and maintenance professionals who run the country's drinking water and wastewater systems, ensuring the reliable delivery of clean, safe water to our homes, schools, and workplaces and then treating that water before it is returned to the environment.
"These unsung, everyday heroes keep us safe, healthy and productive from the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed. Every time we pour a glass of water from the tap and use water throughout the day, there are women and men working behind the scenes to protect our health, our water quality, and our rivers, oceans, and streams.
"We also recognize many other nations around the globe are not as fortunate. Every year, more than one million people across the globe die due to a lack of clean water and proper sanitation. Additionally, billions of pounds of waste enter our oceans annually, harming marine life and coastal economies. While we are proud of what we have accomplished here in the United States, we are also mindful of this reality and ready to assist. Under President Trump, we are elevating our focus on global water issues to protect human health, and our environment.
"Today we take time to honor our nation's water and wastewater treatment professionals and all involved in enhancing water quality, expanding access to safe water, and preserving our marine life. I look forward to our continued partnership and making not only our country, but our world a safer, healthier place for generations to come."
Dallas Fed: Texas Adds 18,500 Jobs in February; State Employment Forecast Calls for 1.5 Percent Growth in 2019
DALLAS, Texas, March 22 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas issued the following news release:
Texas added 18,500 jobs in February, according to seasonally adjusted and benchmarked payroll employment numbers released today by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
The state added a revised 20,400 jobs in January. Year-to-date annualized job growth stands at 1.9 percent compared to annual growth of 2.3 percent in 2018.
The Texas Employment Forecast suggests jobs will grow 1.5 percent this year (December/December), with an 80 percent confidence band of 0.2 to 2.8 percent. Based on the forecast,
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DALLAS, Texas, March 22 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas issued the following news release:
Texas added 18,500 jobs in February, according to seasonally adjusted and benchmarked payroll employment numbers released today by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
The state added a revised 20,400 jobs in January. Year-to-date annualized job growth stands at 1.9 percent compared to annual growth of 2.3 percent in 2018.
The Texas Employment Forecast suggests jobs will grow 1.5 percent this year (December/December), with an 80 percent confidence band of 0.2 to 2.8 percent. Based on the forecast,194,900 jobs will be added in the state this year, and employment in December 2019 will be 12.8 million.
"After an increase in uncertainty about the national and global economies in the fourth quarter of last year, business outlooks improved in the first two months of 2019, and this improvement is reflected in the forecast," said Keith R. Phillips, Dallas Fed assistant vice president and senior economist.
"Job growth in the first two months of the year generally was steady at a pace slightly below 2.0 percent--slower than the 2.3 percent growth in 2018. While the forecast has improved since January, it still suggests weaker job growth this year than in 2018. The three primary factors facing the Texas economy in 2019 remain historically tight labor markets, lower oil prices and continued uncertainty about trade restrictions. These factors will likely slow Texas job growth this year," Phillips said
Unemployment rates fell in all of the nine major Texas metro areas in February, according to seasonally adjusted numbers from the Dallas Fed.
The Dallas Fed improves Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) payroll employment estimates for Texas by incorporating preliminary benchmarks into the data in a more timely manner and by using a two-step seasonal-adjustment technique. Texas metropolitan-area unemployment rates from the BLS also are seasonally adjusted by the Dallas Fed.
The Dallas Fed releases its Texas Employment Forecast on a monthly basis in conjunction with the release of monthly Texas employment data. The forecast projects job growth for the calendar year and is estimated as the 12-month change in payroll employment from December to December. For information on the methodology for the Bank's Texas Employment Forecast, visit the Dallas Fed.
