Politics & Government

Governor Appealing FEMA Decision on March Flooding

The state was denied a Major Disaster Declaration, which would have entitled it to funding and assistance for the March 10-11 flooding.

Gov. Chris Christie announced Thursday that the state is appealing FEMA’S decision to deny its request for a major disaster declaration which would  help communities impacted by the severe storms and flooding that began on March 10, 2011.

The state said preliminary damage assessments conducted after the storms exceeded $4.5 million, with over 4,000 homes affected. 

“We are disappointed in this initial outcome, but will continue to fight for New Jersey’s impacted communities and will exert the options available to us through the appeal process,” said Christie. “We are mindful of residents in the affected areas who have suffered property damage, the small businesses which have endured economic losses and local jurisdictions with infrastructure damage. Federal disaster assistance would help these communities recover and return back to normal. I look forward to working with New Jersey’s congressional delegation to bring relief to these residents.”  

Find out what's happening in Waynewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The state said Individual Assistance (IA) was requested for Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties which can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.  

The state requested Public Assistance funds for Passaic and Warren Counties which are available to reimburse the agencies for emergency work, and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding.

Find out what's happening in Waynewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Governor Christie requested federal assistance on March 13 and was informed of the denial on April 19, according to state officials.

A copy of the Governor’s letter to FEMA is attached to this article.

For more information regarding flood recovery click these links:

NJOEM Flood Related Info: www.ready.nj.gov
 
NJ 211 Call Center: Call 2-1-1 or click www.nj211.org.

NJ Division of Mental Health Services “Managing the Emotional Consequences of Storms and Flooding:”  http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhs/disaster/#4.


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