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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) The U.S. Small Business Administration says small, non-farm businesses in 35 South Dakota counties now can apply for low-interest disaster loans.

In a release, the SBA says the loans are to offset economic losses caused by the combined effects of severe storms, flooding and grasshopper infestations this year.

The SBA lists the primary counties as Aurora, Brown, Custer, Fall River, Gregory, Hutchinson, Jackson, Marshall, Mellette and Yankton.

The 25 South Dakota counties bordering the primary counties also are eligible, as are the contiguous counties in neighboring states of North Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming.

The agency says small, non-farm businesses, small ag cooperatives and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for loans of up to $2 million to help meet obligations and expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

On the Net: www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-19-09 1329CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list