WASHINGTON, DC –Senator Lisa Murkowski welcomed news from the Small Business Administration that low-interest federal disaster loans are being made available to some Alaskan businesses hit hard by the 2012 Chinook Salmon Fishery disaster during this summer’s fishing season.

Though the Department of Commerce already declared a commercial fishery failure for the Kuskokwim, and Yukon Rivers, along with the Upper Cook Inlet, this decision allows Alaskan businesses impacted by the low king runs to begin recovering from the economic difficulties they face.

“Alaskans need a helping hand while they attempt to overcome this season’s low king salmon run,” said Murkowski. “A reality of this business is the fish may not come in, but the bills still do – and I appreciate the Small Business Administration offering long-term, low-interest loans to business owners trying to make ends meet.”

According to the Small Business Administration, eligible Alaskan small businesses include those engaged in salmon fishing in the waters affected by the closure (employees or crew members are not small businesses and are not eligible); small businesses dependent on the catching or sale of salmon including suppliers of fishing gear and fuel, docks, boatyards, processors, wholesalers, shippers, and retailers; and other small businesses dependent on revenue from the above activities.

Alaskan business owners can find out eligibility information at https://aksbdc.org.