County Executive Steve Stenger has pledged monetary support to business owners affected by recent flooding.

At his request, the Port Authority approved $500,000 in interest-free loans.

“We are committed to helping these businesses recover and reopen,” Stenger stated in a news release. “Some of these owners have insurance, but we want to offer assistance to help cover any gaps and get them back on track as quickly as possible.”

“We want to make this process simple for those businesses that need help,” Sheila Sweeney, CEO of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, stated in the release.

Impacted businesses owners may contact Joe Bannister at the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership at (314) 615-7692 or jbannister@stlpartnership.com.

The St. Louis County Port Authority is governed by a seven-member board of commissioners appointed by the county executive and confirmed by a majority of the County Council.

The Port Authority receives lease payment from River City Casino for the operation of its gaming facility in south county. Those funds are reinvested into the community by the Port Authority for the betterment of St. Louis County.