U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8) today applauded President Obama's release of federal public assistance to help Passaic and Essex counties recover from Hurricane Irene. The President informed Pascrell about the decision upon his landing at Essex County Airport this afternoon before their trip together to survey the damage in Passaic County.
"The President's visit today is showing is personal concern for the people who have be trying to restore their lives after the Hurricane Irene disaster. The President's action of delivering this federal public assistance will help entire communities restore themselves," said Pascrell, who accompanied the President today on a tour of local communities affected by Hurricane Irene. "I greatly appreciate President Obama's coming to Paterson, Wayne and other surrounding areas to be with us today, and getting a true boots-on-the-ground understanding of what we're going through. I know that our local communities also appreciate the President backing up his words with direct action on their behalf."
Public Assistance, which is aid to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards, will has now been made available to the following counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, and Somerset Counties.
All counties in the State of New Jersey are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
All counties in the State of New Jersey are also eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
The Individuals and Households Program can provide assistance to eligible applicants in the form of temporary rental assistance and repair assistance. Constituents that received damage in the declared counties are encouraged to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY (800) 462-7585 for individuals with speech or hearing disabilities. For those with Internet access, they may apply for disaster assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov.