(a) The Resources Agency shall establish a revolving low-interest loan program and a grant program for commercial fishing vessel owners, operators, and crew members whose primary source of income for each of the last five years has been derived from commercial fishing. The purpose of the low-interest loan program and the grant program is to provide financial assistance to these commercial fishermen who have suffered devastating economic losses from the drought.
(b) Commercial fishing vessel owners, operators, and crew members may apply for a loan under the program at an interest rate not to exceed 3 percent per annum in order to assist them in rescheduling their debts for commercial fishing vessels, homes, and motor vehicles. Applicants shall demonstrate to the Resources Agency the necessity to reschedule these loans.
(c) The Resources Agency may provide grants, not to exceed three months’ payment or five thousand dollars ($5,000), whichever is less, to commercial fishermen for the purpose of making payments on commercial fishing vessels, homes, and motor vehicles. Applicants for these grants shall have previously submitted applications for low-interest loans pursuant to subdivision (b). Checks for the amount of the grant shall be issued to the lender who holds title to the property.
(Added by Stats. 1991, 1st Ex. Sess., Ch. 11, Sec. 3. Effective October 7, 1991.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018