The designation means those with damage from Hurricane Ivan can apply to FEMA for help.
By: Linda Seida
Homeowners and merchants who suffered losses in the flood generated by the remnants of Hurricane Ivan now are eligible to apply for federal relief funds thanks to a disaster declaration made by President Bush last week for four New Jersey counties.
The declaration, made Friday, named Hunterdon, Mercer, Warren and Sussex counties. Individuals and households in all four counties affected by flooding are eligible for assistance.
To file a claim for disaster relief funds, call the Federal Emergency Management Agency at (800) 621-FEMA (3362). Speech- or hearing-impaired residents can call TTY (800) 462-7585.
All counties also are eligible to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The program provides assistance to state and local governments, plus certain private nonprofit organizations, to help pay for the prevention or reduction of risk and loss of life and property from natural disasters, according to FEMA. In addition, disaster unemployment assistance is available for those who are now out of work as a result of the flood.
The Small Business Association Grant Program will offer low-interest loans. Only Mercer, Warren and Sussex counties are eligible for the Public Assistance Program, which provides aid to state and local governments and certain nonprofits for the repair or replacement of facilities damaged in the disaster, according to FEMA.
Mayor David Del Vecchio was informed of the declaration late Friday evening in a call from Gov. James McGreevey’s office.
"We are especially appreciative of the efforts of Congressman Rush Holt, Sen. Frank Lautenberg, Sen. Jon Corzine and Gov. McGreevey and their staffs because clearly this would not have happened without their assistance," Mayor Del Vecchio said Monday. "We say, ‘Thank you.’"
He added, "We’re pleased that the programs FEMA offers will be available to our residents and to the businesses affected, the city, the Fire Department, the LSA (Lambertville Sewerage Authority) and others. Whoever was affected or put out money, hopefully this will help them."
While residents of Bucks County on the other side of the Delaware River received a disaster declaration just days after the flooding occurred the weekend of Sept 18-19, New Jersey residents had a longer wait.
Gov. McGreevey initially requested federal aid in a letter to the president dated Sept. 21. In a second letter to the president dated Friday, the governor said, "I have received many inquiries from frustrated citizens asking why their neighbors across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania are receiving federal aid to assist them while their needs in New Jersey remain unmet. Mr. President, what can I tell these hard-pressed families?"
In Lambertville, flood stage for the river is 13 feet. Water rose to 18 feet the weekend of Sept. 18-19. Hundreds in the city and neighboring Stockton were evacuated. More than 3,000 were evacuated in the region, including Trenton.
In Lambertville, one house on South Union Street suffered major damage when the foundation crumbled. Other houses on Swan Street and Lambert Lane were damaged by floodwaters.
Visit www.fema.gov/ for more information.