EUREKA -- The U.S. Small Business Administration is setting up shop in Eureka to make loans available for salmon fishermen and related businesses in an effort to help those injured by the cancellation of commercial salmon season.

The U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez declared a fishery resource disaster last week when restrictions on salmon catches were ordered to protect the low returns of Klamath River fall Chinook.

The SBA will set up a local outreach center to address questions and hand out loan applications at the Humboldt Fisherman's Marketing Association located at 3 Commercial St. The office will open its doors on Tuesday and its open hours will be Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mark Randle, public information officer for the SBA Field Operation Center-West in Sacramento, said the loans are for working capital only and are intended to help businesses make it through to the next salmon season. The SBA is offering loans of up to $1.5 million at an interest rate of 4 percent with terms of up to 30 years.

Aside from salmon fishermen themselves, other eligible applicants include small businesses dependent on salmon including: suppliers of fishing gear and fuel, docks, boatyards, processors, wholesalers, shippers and retailers.

”We recognize that some affected businesses are reluctant to seek a loan to meet their immediate financial needs,” said Alfred Judd, SBA director of the Field Operation Center. “We urge these businesses to visit one of these outreach centers and meet with an SBA representative, who may be able to refer them to financial counseling services.”

North Coast Small Business Development Center Director Kristin Johnson said that the SBDC can help affected businesses prepare loan materials as well as offer financial counseling services.

For more information on SBDC services, call lead counselor Stilson Snow at 445-9720, ext. 303.

For businesses interested in SBA loans, but are unable to visit an SBA outreach center, call toll-free (800) 659-2955.