“President Bush’s declaration of a ‘major disaster’ for our area ensures that New Jersey citizens will receive critical federal funds and other assistance we need to rebuild and recover from the torrential flooding that we experienced last week. It also means that State government and certain private nonprofit organizations will receive reimbursements for emergency work and assistance they provided in response to the devastation,” said Rep. Chris Smith, dean of the New Jersey delegation who represents parts of Mercer County which was hit hard by the storm. 

    “This past weekend, I toured the areas devastated by the storm with FEMA Region II Director, Steve Kempf. I was extremely impressed by Steve’s leadership and FEMA’s presence on the ground helping NJ state officials and local and county officials as they worked to provide a real and fair assessment of the damage," he said.  “In Trenton the police and local neighbors worked hand-in-hand in securing a quick and safe evacuation and city workers initiated clean-up activities as soon as the water receded."

    “As a first-hand witness, it was apparent to me that in addition to the good will and know-how of our local public servants, federal aid would still be necessary as the damage went far beyond the financial capabilities of the state, county, and local governments to properly assist our residents,” said Smith.

    Smith credited President Bush and thanked FEMA Director Steve Kempf “for the swift and decisive action that will bring much needed assistance to the residents of central New Jersey."

    Smith said that people located in the disaster area should register immediately with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA. The types of assistance available include:

Individual Assistance: The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial help or direct services to those who have necessary expenses and serious needs if they are unable to meet the needs through other means. Up to $27,200 in grants and loans is available in financial help (adjusted each year), although some forms of IHP assistance have limits. Flood insurance may be required. These forms of help are available: Housing Assistance (including Temporary Housing, Repair, Replacement, and Permanent Housing Construction) and Other Needs Assistance (including personal property and other items).

Public Assistance: is oriented to public entities and can fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replace­ment of a public facility or infrastructure, which is damaged or destroyed by a disaster. Eligible non-profit efforts include educational, utility, irrigation, emergency, medical, rehabilitation, and temporary or permanent custodial care facilities (including those for the aged and disabled) that provide essential services of a governmental nature to the general public.

Hazard Mitigation Programs: Once a Presidential disaster declaration occurs, a variety of mitigation programs and activities are implemented. The overriding goal of these programs and activities is to reduce the potential for future loss of life and property within the disaster area.