Disaster Relief Loan Program (DLRP)

The DRLP is a low-interest loan program offered by the Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency to help eligible business and property owners recover from disasters such as fire, flooding, or severe storms. The program provides financing of up to $1 million to bridge the gap between insurance payouts and the actual costs of rebuilding or reopening operations.

The program was developed to strengthen Salt Lake City’s economic resilience and ensure a consistent, transparent response to disasters that impact businesses within CRA project areas. It was informed by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, major downtown fires, and ongoing challenges in federal disaster relief funding.

Eligible applicants include:

• Business owners and property owners located within CRA project areas, impacted by a qualifying disaster

• Long-term ground lessees located within CRA project areas, impacted by a qualifying disaster

• Nonprofit or community-serving organizations operating in eligible areas and impacted by a qualifying disaster

Applicants must demonstrate both a qualifying loss and a financial gap not fully covered by insurance or other recovery funding.

Qualifying disasters include:

• Fires

• Flooding or water damage

• Severe storms, wind, or other natural events that cause property damage

• Other emergencies officially recognized by Salt Lake City

Each application will be reviewed based on the type and extent of the disaster’s impact.

Funds can be used for eligible recovery expenses, such as:

• Debris removal and site cleanup

• Temporary relocation costs

• Security or fencing for damaged sites

• Repairs and reconstruction

• Equipment replacement

• Other costs directly related to restoring business operations

Eligible applicants can receive up to $1,000,000 in short-term, low-interest financing. The actual loan amount depends on the size of the funding gap between insurance payouts and verified recovery costs.

Loans are short-term with flexible repayment options. Interest rates are low and fixed for the duration of the loan. Specific terms will be determined during the application review and approval process to meet the needs of each borrower while ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds.

You can apply online through the CRA’s Disaster Relief Loan Program portal. This portal is only open when the DRLP is accepting applications. Prior to applying:

1. Confirm your business or property is within an eligible CRA project area.

2. Gather documentation, including proof of damage, insurance claim details, and cost estimates.

3. Complete the online application form and upload required materials.

A CRA representative will contact you to guide you through the next steps.

The CRA prioritizes fast turnaround for disaster recovery support. Depending on application completeness and documentation, funding decisions are typically made within 1 month of submission.

No. The DRLP is not a replacement for insurance, FEMA, or other disaster aid. It is designed to supplement existing coverage and fill remaining financial gaps so businesses can recover more quickly.

The DRLP provides loans, not grants. These are repayable funds with favorable terms designed to support rapid recovery while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The CRA administers the program with strong financial safeguards, clear eligibility criteria, and compliance measures to ensure responsible use of funds. All applicants must demonstrate financial need, submit documentation, and meet repayment requirements.

Currently, the DRLP is available only within existing CRA project areas. However, the CRA works closely with city and state partners who may offer alternative programs for businesses located outside those boundaries.

No.

No-Fault Disclaimer:
The Disaster Relief Loan Program is offered by the Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency solely to support economic recovery for eligible businesses and property owners affected by qualifying disasters. Participation in or administration of this program does not constitute, and should not be interpreted as, an admission of fault or liability by the CRA, Salt Lake City Corporation, or any of their departments or employees.