YOUNGSTOWN - Businesses in downtown Youngstown who were impacted by the Realty Building explosion are now eligible to apply for low-interest federal business loans.

Governor Mike DeWine sent a letter to the U.S. Small Business Administration on Monday, requesting the activation of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program for businesses still recovering from the May explosion on East Federal Street.

The Governor's request followed a survey that found many downtown businesses "experienced substantial economic injury from the time of the explosion until the building was fully demolished" in September. The demolition work limited access to parking and walkways, leading to fewer customers. The businesses also had to reduce staff and available hours, with some even forced to close for months.

The SBA approved DeWine's request on Wednesday. The low-interest loans will help businesses cover costs that they would have been able to pay had the explosion never happened.

To qualify, businesses must be located in the declared disaster area, and be "unable to cover expenses due to the disaster and/or debt payments," according to a press release from the Governor's office. Click here for more information on the program and how to apply.