For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
October 2, 2004
Statement on Federal Assistance for New Jersey
The President yesterday declared a major disaster exists in the
State of New Jersey and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and
local recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Depression Ivan
beginning on September 18, 2004, and continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in the counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Sussex, and Warren.
Assistance 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.
Federal funding also is available to State and eligible local
governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a
cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of facilities damaged
by Tropical Depression Ivan in the counties of Mercer, Sussex, and
Warren.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-share basis for hazard
mitigation measures for the counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Sussex, and
Warren.
Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and
Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Peter J. Martinasco as
the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the
affected area.
The Agency said additional designations may be made at a later date
if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further
damage assessments.
The Agency said that residents and business owners who sustained
losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by
calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing
and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be in
operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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