Gov. Patrick seeks federal aid for businesses that lost money because of the Marathon

By Globe Staff,

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has sent a letter to the federal Small Business Administration seeking financial assistance for small businesses and private nonprofits that suffered losses because of Boston Marathon bombings last week.

Patrick on Friday asked the federal agency to issue a special declaration for Suffolk County that would make available low-cost SBA loans.

“Requesting this federal aid will help Boston and the Commonwealth recover faster from the tragic events that unfolded at the Marathon,” Patrick said.

If the Small Business Administration grants Patrick’s request and issues what it known as an Economic Injury Declaration, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, or MEMA, MEMA would work with the SBA and the Boston Office of Emergency Management to determine which businesses might be eligible for loans.

After the April 15 attacks on Boylston Street in Boston, a 12-block section of the Back Bay was designated as a crime scene by the FBI. Some portions of the neighborhood remained off limits to businesses and residents for more than a week as investigators scoured the street, sidewalks and even rooftops for evidence.

MEMA, in cooperation with city officials conducted an initial survey that found at least five small businesses in close proximity to sites of the bomb blasts were severely impacted

President Obama earlier issued an Emergency Declaration for Suffolk, Norfolk and Middlesex counties. That designation authorizes the federal government to reimburse communities, state agencies and certain nonprofits for 75 percent of the cost of federal assistance and emergency protective measures.