Homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits impacted by last month's flash flooding in Fairfield County and parts of western Connecticut can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced the U.S. Small Business Administration approved a disaster declaration covering Fairfield County and the contiguous counties of New Haven and Litchfield following the Sept. 13 flooding event.

The declaration makes low-interest loans available to help residents and organizations recover from storm damage. Homeowners may borrow up to $500,000 to repair a primary residence, while homeowners and renters may qualify for up to $100,000 to replace damaged personal property.

Businesses may be eligible for loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged property and equipment. Businesses and nonprofits can also apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million for working capital needs.

State officials said the declaration was approved after joint damage assessments determined losses exceeded federal thresholds.

A temporary SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open Oct. 7 at the Margaret E. Morton Government Center in Bridgeport to assist applicants. Applications can also be submitted online through the SBA's lending portal.