For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
July 16, 2004
Statement on Federal Assistance for New Jersey
The President today 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 severe storms and flooding
beginning on July 12, 2004, and continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in Burlington and Camden Counties.
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 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 the severe storms and flooding in Burlington County.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-share basis for hazard
mitigation measures.
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 damage surveys are continuing and additional
designations may be made based on the results of the assessment.
The Agency said that residents and business owners who sustained
losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance
tomorrow 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
operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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