The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is temporarily amending the size eligibility criteria for loan assistance provided under the "Gulf Opportunity Pilot Loan Program," a one-year pilot under the 7(a) Business Loan Program. The pilot program makes available on an expedited basis 7(a) loans to small businesses located in, locating to, or relocating in disaster areas declared by the President as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and any contiguous parishes or counties. This interim final rule makes financial assistance under the pilot program available to businesses that are considered small for the purpose of SBA's 7(a) Business Loan Program and businesses considered small for the purpose of SBA's Certified Development Company Program. SBA prepared this rule as an interim final rule because its immediate implementation will facilitate the reconstruction and economic recovery of the Gulf Coast.