Missouri treasurer expands 24-hour approval for loans

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY'-ful) has authorized emergency 24-hour approvals of low-interest loans from a state program for farmers and small businesses in 26 more counties.

Friday's announcement came one day after President Barack Obama granted an emergency declaration for the counties located along the swollen Missouri River. Expedited approvals for loan applicants were already in place in the city and county of St. Louis after that area was hit by April tornadoes.

Zweifel's office says the normal time for approving loans under the Missouri Linked Deposit Program is 10 days.