Press Releases
Pascrell Announces Fema Assistance For New Jersey Familiesand Business Owners
Washington, DC,
April 26, 2007
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today announced that the President has signed a declaration declaring a major disaster area in New Jersey for the regions affected by the severe storms and flooding brought by the recent Nor’easter. The decision to award individual assistance to Passaic, Essex, Bergen, Somerset and Union Counties came following conversations that Rep. Pascrell held with White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten, and FEMA Director David Paulison in which he urged immediate action be taken on behalf of New Jersey’s residents and municipalities. Counties not included on the list of individual assistance recipients have not been denied assistance and may receive funding at a later date. Hazard mitigation assistance has been awarded statewide, and public assistance will be determined in the near future. “Thousands of New Jersey families and business owners have endured incredible losses and stress during the last eleven days,” stated Pascrell, who sent two letters of support for the declaration to the White House. “I am relieved that New Jersey residents will have an opportunity to be compensated by the federal government, and I will ensure that FEMA is adequately responsive to my constituents. But my effort to fully engage FEMA in this disaster is far from over. Municipalities all over the state are operating beyond their budget in order to rebuild communities and continue basic municipal services. FEMA must provide immediate assistance to localities so that they have all of the resources necessary to restore quality living standards.” The declaration authorizes federal assistance for homeowners and renters affected by the disaster with expenses that cover temporary housing costs, home repair, transportation, medical treatment, storage and other necessary assistance. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance. Other relief programs include crisis counseling and advisory assistance for legal, veterans’ benefits, and social security matters. "Congress has recently advanced numerous measures to address the consequences of flooding in our local communities,” stated Pascrell. “As we advance legislation in Washington, I will continue to work with municipalities throughout Passaic County toward a comprehensive regional flood management plan.” ### |