Small businesses have rushed to get federal assistance due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, Indiana banks are urging Congress to boost funding.

Indiana residents in counties impacted by recent severe storms and tornadoes can apply for low-interest disaster loans. U.S. Small Business Administration spokesperson Kathy Cook says this decision is aimed to help businesses avoid shutting down in the wake of the storms.

The National Weather Service said a record 8.49 inches of rain fell on South Bend in a 24-hour period on Aug. 15-16.

Individuals in 27 counties impacted by summer flooding were eligible to apply for federal Small Business Administration loans. But the state estimates that more than 100 Hoosiers were turned down - and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is putting up more than $300,000 to help those people.