Small Business Loan To Help With Purcell Bridge Debacle Denied

The Federal Small Business Administration has denied Gov. Mary Fallin's request for help with the Purcell bridge fiasco. 

The Nance Memorial Bridge, which connects Purcell to Lexington, has been closed since January 31. The 76-year-old structure won't be fixed until mid-June. 

3/7/2014 Related Story: Purcell Businesses Fight To Keep Doors Open, Inspectors Find New Cracks In Bridge

Purcell merchants tell News 9 the closure has cut their business earnings in half, and some are not sure they will make it. 

Maria Pritchett's Pritchett's Café has been a fixture downtown for more than 40 years.

"Sir, I have one ticket. One person eating all day long," she said. "You think one person eating is gonna pay my bills?" 

The Federal Government says the bridge closure does not meet "the definition of a disaster declaration."

2/12/2014 Related Story: ODOT Make Progress In Fixing Bridge Between Purcell And Lexington

4/17/2014 Related Story: SBA Denies Assistance For OK Businesses Affected By Bridge Closure