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Mass. Gov. Baker Announces Emergency Loans Following Cape Cod Tornadoes

The loans aim to assist small businesses impacted by the tornadoes and powerful winds that pounded the Cape on July 23

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday rolled out a $1 million emergency loan fund to assist small businesses impacted by the tornadoes and severe weather that slammed Cape Cod last week. 

The Cape Cod Small Business Emergency Loan Fund will provide emergency capital to local small businesses to assist with operations and repairs, Baker's office said in a press release.

Communities continue to recover after three tornadoes and powerful winds slammed parts of Cape Cod on July 23, knocking out power to some 30,000 business and residences.  

“As the recovery process continues through the region, our administration remains committed to supporting Cape Cod’s small business and tourism sector during this difficult time,” Baker said.

“We are proud to build on the immediate effort to clear roads and properties of debris and enable power restoration with this important economic aid needed for small businesses to regain their footing.”

Loans are available to eligible businesses immediately, and no payments are required for the first 30 days, the statement said.

On Monday, Massachusetts officials expanded a severe weather emergency declaration to include Chatam and Dennis, following declarations for Harwich and Yarmouth. 

The National Weather Service confirmed Monday that a third EF-1 tornado had hit the Cape, briefly touching down at the same time as another tornado. It traveled a quarter mile in West Yarmouth from Yacht Avenue and Schooner Street to Egg Harbor Road. 

Officials had previously said that two tornadoes had touched down. 

The tornadoes caused heavy damage in a concentrated part of Cape Cod but no deaths or major injuries.

According to the NWS, before Tuesday, there had only ever been three tornadoes documented touching down on Cape Cod: in 2018, 1977 and 1968.

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