Residents, small businesses impacted by Hurricane Irene are now eligible for Federal assistance
UNION COUNTY, NJ—Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon today announced the federal government has approved Union County’s request for disaster assistance for its residents’ impacted by Hurricane Irene. Individual and public assistance was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Union County residents and small businesses in all municipalities are now eligible to apply for different types of federal assistance, including temporary housing, repair, replacement or other needs such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and Small Business Administration disaster loans.
“Residents and small businesses are now eligible for much-needed assistance from FEMA,” Scanlon said. “This is a crucial step in assisting our homeowners and businesses in the recovery from the Hurricane.”
Union County has submitted damage assessments to the state as required, totaling over $200 million. On Friday, representatives from FEMA and NJ OEM completed both the Public Assessment (PA) and Individual Assessment (IA) of the devestating damages throughout the County as a result of Hurricane Irene.
Public assistance eligibility allows eligible local governments, and certain nonprofit organizations to apply for federal funding on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Irene.
Survivors of Hurricane Irene in Union County who suffered damage should apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency – even if they have insurance or aren’t sure they are eligible.
Register by phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with hearing or speech impairments. Specialists are standing by at the toll-free numbers seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, until further notice. Help in other languages is available. Or you can register online atwww.DisasterAssistance.gov.You can also apply through a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone by visiting m.fema.gov and following the link to “apply online for federal assistance.”