Kean Applauds SBA Extension of Business Recovery Center in Wharton and Pushes for Broader State Aid

(April 23, 2025) Bernardsville, NJ - Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) issued the following statement after the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) extended operations at the Business Recovery Center in Wharton, NJ, through May 6, providing additional time for small businesses impacted by the I-80 sinkhole related closures to receive in-person support.

The Congressman previously announced that the SBA approved New Jersey's disaster declaration request, making Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to small businesses in Morris County and adjacent counties impacted by the closures. The extension of the Business Recovery Center offers affected businesses more time to access federal resources and guidance directly from SBA personnel.

Congressman Kean also urged Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to expand the geographic scope of its Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program beyond Morris County to include Sussex County. While this state-level grant program is available to small businesses in Morris County, it does not help nearby businesses in Sussex County, which have also experienced significant economic hardship due to the sinkhole-related disruptions.

"The SBA's rapid approval of Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses impacted by the I-80 closure continues to provide meaningful relief for businesses in Morris County, as well as the adjacent counties," said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. "With the Business Recovery Center in Wharton now extended through May 6, affected businesses have additional time to access critical, on-the-ground support. State-level support programs should also be expanded beyond Morris County to help other severely impacted businesses, including those in Sussex County."

Background:

On March 28th, Congressman Kean sent a letter to Governor Murphy urging him to submit an official disaster declaration request to the SBA. After subsequent submission, the SBA granted this request within one day, unlocking federal assistance for small businesses suffering substantial economic loss due to the I-80 sinkhole related closures. Eligible businesses in Morris, Essex, Hunterdon, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties can apply HERE for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

The SBA's Business Recovery Center at the Wharton Municipal Building will now remain open through Tuesday, May 6, operating Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm, and on Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm. SBA representatives will continue offering personalized assistance to business owners navigating the loan application process and recovery resources.

For more information on disaster assistance, contact the SBA Customer Service Center Line at (800) 659-2955.

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