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TagsThe state government is eligible for over $1.4 million in FEMA public assistance aid as a result of the damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene last year, the state Office of Emergency Management announced Thursday.
The reimbursement covers response activities and emergency measures undertaken by the state Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs leading up to and immediately following the storm. Additional project approvals are expected to address Irene-related expenditures by other state agencies.
“Irene has proven to be the costliest natural disaster in New Jersey’s history,” Col. Rick Fuentes, State Police superintendent and director of the Office of Emergency Management, said. “We are continuing to work with our federal partners to seek additional reimbursements for eligible expenses incurred by all New Jersey state departments which played a role in the Irene response.”
State expenses to be reimbursed by FEMA include health and safety checks, security, evacuation assistance, search and rescue operations, transport relief services, and assistance with mass care operations. The FEMA program also accounts for equipment used during the operation, such as vehicles, generators and aviation assets.
Tropical Storm Irene struck New Jersey on Aug. 27, resulting in a presidential disaster declaration on Aug. 31. More than 4,500 local government expense project reimbursements were submitted to FEMA through the Office of Emergency Management. To date, the two areas of expenses designated to receive the most funding from Irene are emergency protective measures and debris removal.
FEMA approves the reimbursement of local government expenses, which provide at least 75 percent of the eligible costs of repair and replacement to those who qualify. The state is accountable for use of the funds and is responsible for disbursing the funds.
For information concerning Irene public assistance applicants, and funds disbursed, visit the OEM website and click on “Disaster Public Assistance”.
—TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
