newjerseynewsroom.com

Christie seeking federal aid for residents, businesses and local governments

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

In an effort to aid residents, cities and towns impacted by the flooding in North Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie Monday announced that he has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to partner with the state in conducting a damage assessment as the first step toward obtaining a presidential disaster declaration and federal reimbursement.

“This was a significant weather event which resulted in evacuations, personal and public property damage and considerable expense for the impacted municipalities,” Christie said. “We must do what we can to help ease the impact, and this request to FEMA starts that process.”

A damage assessment is the first step in determining whether the flooding is of such severity that federal assistance is necessary. The assessment is typically used as a basis for a governor's request for a major disaster or emergency declaration. It shows the cost of response efforts, including emergency personnel overtime, other emergency services, and damage to public and private property which is beyond state and local recovery capabilities. The president considers the assessment as one of the factors in making a determination whether to declare a major disaster for the area.

People and governments in Bergen, Essex, Morris, Sussex, and Passaic counties were the hardest hit by the flooding.

In anticipation of the flood waters receding, the assessment is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, when all county and local officials throughout the state will begin to document the impact of the flooding.

State Office of Emergency Management and FEMA representatives will conduct joint assessments in the five counties Joint assessment teams will be directed to additional counties, if needed.

The process is used to determine the impact and magnitude of damage caused by a flooding. It summarizes the needs of residents, businesses, public sector and the entire community. New Jersey is seeking assistance from several federal programs, including the Small Business Administration Loan Program, Public Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation and Insurance Program.

The assessment teams will review the types of damage or emergency costs incurred and the impact to critical facilities, including: public utilities, hospitals, schools, and fire and police departments. The teams will also assess the impact on individuals and businesses, including the extent of the damage, the number of people displaced, and the threat to health and safety caused by the incident. During the assessment, the team will collect eligible estimates of the expenses and damages.

Christie said the Office of Emergency Management and its partners are committed to work in the timeliest manner possible to complete the assessment. To best serve residents impacted by the flood, accuracy of data collection will be the primary focus. The state will not speculate on assessment completion timelines nor give rough estimates on damages. The assessment information will be released upon completion of the process and final review by the governor’s office.

All residents and businesses that have experienced flood damage to their property as a result of the recent flooding event are advised to contact their insurance company and open a claim for damages. All municipal and county officials should continue to work with their respective offices of emergency management and gather data and damage reports to be forwarded to the State for reviewed.

For more information regarding flood recovery and the assessment process see:

• NJOEM Flood Related Info.
• Free 24-hour statewide service.
• Individual Assistance Info.
• Public Assistance Info.