Congressman Pascrell Applauds President Obama's Expedited Declaration Of A Federal Disaster Following Storm And Flood Damage From March Nor'easter

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8) today applauded President Obama's declaration of a major disaster in the state of New Jersey following the nor'easter of March 12, 2010.

"President Obama has delivered the aid that is so needed by New Jersey residents who are working so hard to rebuild their lives after last month's storm" said Pascrell, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, which oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "The sun is shining this weekend over the areas that have been flooded. The president's declaration will give those who have been most affected by the storm the help they need to restore their lives. I want to thank all of the FEMA officials who completed their preliminary assessments within days of the storm. I also want to thank New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for his responsiveness to New Jersey residents by quickly requesting the president's declaration."

Rep. Pascrell has been urging for an expedited federal declaration since he toured flooded areas of the Eighth Congressional District on March 12 and March 13. After witnessing home evacuations from Pompton Lakes to Little Falls, Congressman Pascrell spoke to President Obama personally two weeks ago about the flooding and the need for federal aid. On Monday, Rep. Pascrell led New Jersey's Congressional delegation with a letter to the president urging for the federal disaster declaration.

President Obama's issuing a major disaster declaration for the State of New Jersey today will trigger the release of federal funds to assist individuals and communities recover from severe storms and flooding that occurred from March 12, 2010 and continuing.

Assistance to individuals and households will be made available in the following counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Union Counties.

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 be 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.

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.

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