OLYMPIA, WA — The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for a disaster declaration to provide financial assistance to businesses affected by the closure of the White River Bridge on State Route 410 between Buckley and Enumclaw.

The closure, caused by an over-height truck striking the bridge last month, resulted in significant structural damage and forced an indefinite shutdown until permanent repairs can be completed. The bridge typically carries more than 22,000 vehicles daily, and its closure has disrupted travel and strained local businesses in King and Pierce counties, as well as surrounding tribal communities. Detours are adding as much as an hour to travel times.

The approved declaration makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) available to eligible small businesses and nonprofits in King and Pierce counties, along with those in Chelan, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Snohomish, Thurston, and Yakima counties. These low-interest loans are designed to help cover operating expenses such as rent, utilities, and health care premiums while businesses manage the financial fallout.

“Local and tribal businesses are already feeling the impacts of this bridge closure,” Ferguson said. “They still have to pay their bills to stay open. These low-interest federal loans will give them breathing room while we work seven days a week to re-open the bridge”.

The Washington State Department of Transportation has already completed temporary stabilization work and selected Guy F. Atkinson Construction to carry out permanent repairs under an emergency contract. Crews began work on September 13, with the goal of reopening the bridge between October 31 and November 14.

Businesses can apply for loans through the SBA’s online portal or by contacting the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.