U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), dean of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation, spearheaded a letter asking President Bush to grant the state’s request to declare New Jersey a federal disaster area. The letter was signed by each member of the New Jersey delegation in the House of Representatives. 

    Smith, who assessed the areas damaged by torrential rains and flooding earlier this week, had urged Governor Codey to include Monmouth and Ocean Counties in the disaster area request. Under this Presidential Declaration, long-term federal recovery programs designed to helped disaster victims, businesses and public entities are put into place, and federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Area (FEMA) is authorized. A state of emergency was declared by Governor Codey on Friday, October 14. 

    “Having personally done a damage assessment to portions of the damaged areas, it is clear that the persisting ground conditions meet the criteria set by FEMA for our state to be declared a major disaster area,” said Smith. “This declaration will allow severely affected municipalities and homeowners to receive federal funding through FEMA.” 

    The storm, which lasted a week, hit counties throughout the state. Total rainfall over the eight day period across the state reached nearly 16 inches in some areas, causing millions of dollars in damage. Residents were evacuated and homes, apartments and businesses suffered severe damage. It is estimated that over 2700 single family homes, over 640 apartment units and 220 businesses were damaged as a result of the week long storm. 

    “We need to effectively expedite aid to the municipalities and local areas that are in immediate need,” said Smith.